Obesity and male infertility

There are several reasons for infertility in males. Treatment therefore depends on identification of the underlying cause and its treatment. Metabolic disorders play an important role in the causation of male infertility for example diabetes and obesity.

The Body Mass Index is a good indicator to determine whether one is obese or not. Obesity has been associated with a variety of problems including male and female infertility.

The relation between obesity and infertility in males

Semen samples of obese males are likely to have reduced sperm counts and also abnormal sperm morphology. They also show abnormal motility. The pathophysiology of obesity related male infertility is as follows:

• Obesity is linked with increased activity of the enzyme aromatase that is involved in converting testosterone into Estradiol. Estradiol in turn causes a negative feedback at the hypothalamopitutary axis to decrease the secretion of both the Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH) and Leutinizing hormone (LH). This leads to reduced stimulation of the Sertoli cells and the Leydig cells in the testes and hence reduced production of testosterone and sperm production. The decrease in the FSH and LH further causes reduced spermatogenesis.                                                          

• The excessive fat deposited around the testicles in an obese individual also raises the temperature of the testes leading to a destruction of the sperms and lowered sperm counts.
• Obesity is also linked with diabetes as it causes insulin resistance. Research has identified an important link between diabetes and infertility in males. Diabetes causes damage to the DNA as well as the RNA within the spermatozoa. DNA which is responsible for storing genetic information within the sperms is thus damaged. Scientists have identified a chemical compound called Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs) to accumulate within the male reproductive system as they age. These AGEs have been associated with the damage to the DNA and RNA though the exact mechanism id not yet known.

How to tackle overweight issues?

Lifestyle modification plays an important role in preventing obesity.

1. Regular exercise: A 40 minute exercise schedule for 5 days a week should suffice to keep the body fit and healthy. Do not overdo any exercise as it not only injures the muscles but also affects fertility by raising the testicular temperature. Cycling for long periods may especially have such effects.
   
   
2. Balanced diet: A well balanced diet consisting of vitamins and balanced proportions of carbohydrates, fats and proteins is essential to be healthy. It should include plenty of green vegetables, fresh fruits, sea foods, lean meat and dry fruits. If a deficiency is identified fertility supplements can also be taken.
   
   
3. Drink plenty of water: Water helps flush the toxic elements from the body and maintains the hydration. One must drink atleast eight glasses of water each day.
   
   
4. Incase of eating disorders one must not hesitate to consult a specialist and get treated for the same. Such disorders can be treated using medications. If medical therapy is unsuccessful surgical methods like gastric plication or gastric resection have been found extremely useful to tackle obesity.
   

References :
http://www.sharedjourney.com/health.html
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/578840
http://www.ivf1.com/diabetes-sperm/