Aim: To evaluate the effects of body mass index (BMI) ratio on semen parameters and serum reproductive hormones. Materials and methods: The data of 454 patients who prsented to male infertility clinics in our hospital between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Weight, height, serum hormone levels and semen analysis results of the patients were obtained. BMI values were calculated by using the weight and height values of the patients and they were classified as group 1 for BMI values ≤ 25 kg/m 2 , as group 2 for BMI values 25-30 kg/m 2 and as group 3 for BMI values ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . Results: The mean values of BMI, semen volume, concentration, total motility, progressive motility, total progressive motile sperm count (TPMSC), normal morphology according to Kruger, head abnormality, neck abnormality, tail abnormality, FSH, LH, prolactin, T/E2, total testosterone and estradiol parameters of the patients were considered. Patients were divided according to BMI values in Group 1 (n = 165), Group 2 (n = 222) and Group 3 (n = 56). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of all variables between the groups. Conclusions: We analyzed the relationship between BMI level and semen parameters and reproductive hormones, demonstrating no relationship between BMI and semen parameters. In our study, BMI does not affect semen parameters although it shows negative correlation with prolactin and testosterone levels.KEY WORDS: Infertility; BMI; Semen parameters; Reproductive hormones. number of studies and in some studies this decrease was found as associated to the increase in obesity prevalence (2). But, there is not a consensus in the literature and contradictory results were published. In this study, we analyzed the effect of BMI on semen parameters and the relationship with reproductive hormone levels.
MATERIALS AND METHODSThe data of 454 patients who presented to male infertility clinics in our hospital between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Weight, height, serum hormone levels and semen analysis results of the patients were considered. BMI values were calculated by using the weight and height values of the patients and they were classified as Group 1 for BMI values ≤ 25 kg/m 2 , as Group 2 for BMI values 25-30 kg/m 2 and as Group 3 for BMI values ≥ 30 kg/m 2 . Semen analysis was performed after a 3-5 days of sexual abstinence. Semen analysis was performed according to WHO 2010 criteria (semen volume ≥ 1.5 ml; sperm concentration ≥ 15 × 106/ml; total motility ≥ 40%, progressive motility ≥ 32% and morphology ≥ 4%). After 5-30 minutes of sample collection, the analysis was performed after the sample was liquefied. For the microscopic examination in semen analysis, phase contrast light microscope was used and the examination was performed with 10 x 20 magnification. For sperm concentration, Makler counting chamber was used and the sperm count (concentration) was found in million/ml with the sperm count in 10 squares in a 100 square area. Motility was evaluated in 3 Groups as linear progressive...