Impact of body mass index on semen parameters and reproductive hormones among men undergoing microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Few studies assessed the relationships between BMI and post varicocelectomy semen quality and fertility potential and they reported inconsistent findings. Objective To assess the association of BMI with semen parameters and reproductive hormones before and after microsurgical varicocelectomy. Materials and Methods Retrospective chart review in a tertiary infertility center. Of 1170 patients with clinical varicocele during the study period (8 years), 813 patients were eligible and included. Patients were grouped into: Group A (kg/m2, n = 251 patients), B (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2, n = 289), C (BMI 30–34.9 kg/m2, n = 183) and D (kg/m2, n = 90). Clinical data, semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and hormonal profile were collected before and 3 months after microsurgical varicocelectomy. Results Patients’ mean age was 35.87 ± 8.17 years. Higher-grade varicocele was significantly more prevalent in the lower BMI groups. BMI was significantly negatively correlated with preoperative sperm concentration, total motility progressive motility and total motile sperm count. Pre-operatively, sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility and total motile sperm count showed significant differences between BMI groups, where higher BMI (Groups C and D) exhibited the poorest semen parameters. Postoperatively, all groups showed significant improvement in sperm concentration compared with pre-operative values. However, total and progressive motility were significantly improved in Groups A, B and C, while in Group D (highest BMI), total motility improved clinically but not statistically, progressive motility did not display improvement, and total motile sperm count was significantly improved only in Groups B and C. Postoperatively, mean improvements in semen parameters across the BMI groups were not significantly different, except for morphology, which improved significantly more in the less obese patients. Conclusion For infertile patients with clinical varicocele undergoing micro-surgical varicocelectomy, BMI appears not to impact the improvements across most of the semen parameters and hormones. The procedure might improve the fertility potential.