Male infertility and the impact of lifestyle in the Greek population: A case–control study

Abstract

Background and Aims Collection of epidemiological data has become a crucial step in every fertility evaluation, especially regarding idiopathic male infertility. Information on data such as tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, and body mass index can provide crucial information regarding the dynamics between fertility status and everyday practices. We aim to set the base for epidemiological studies on male infertility in the Greek population. Methods Four hundred and fourteen Greek volunteers were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding their characteristics and lifestyle preferences, followed by a seminogram. Depending on their answers, they were divided into groups and data were analyzed for correlation with seminogram parameters using Spearman's rank correlation test. Results Our results indicate that a high body mass index (BMI) is negatively correlated with all three seminogram parameters (number, motility, and morphology) and exposure to radiation or chemicals is negatively correlated with sperm motility, with a p < 0.01. Conclusions These findings indicate negative correlations of BMI and exposure to radiation/chemicals with semen parameters in the Greek population. Such information can be used to plan a diagnostic approach or even therapeutic interventions.

The Role of Dietary Nutrients in Male Infertility: A Review

“…As we have depicted in the above data, there are wide-ranging issues that can affect sperm function and health, which results in male infertility. Iatrogenic or hereditary causes are the well-accepted etiologies, and one of the biggest contributors to this failure is modifiable lifestyle influences [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Studies have informed that exposure to numerous lifestyle issues, including smoking, alcohol, obesity, illicit drugs, fast food intake, caffeine and diet, can negatively affects male fertility [ 47 , 48 ].…”