Men's body mass index and infertility

Cindy Farquhar

It is well-known that being overweight can affect a woman’s ability to conceive – and also increases the risk of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. Recent evidence has indicated that a man’s health and weight may also contribute to a couples’ infertility. About 20 -30% of all infertility is due to a male factor, and male infertility may be increasing.

Cindy Farquhar is leading a study that will look at the link between Body Mass Index (BMI) and male infertility. BMI is calculated by measuring body height and weight. The study aims to determine whether men with a high BMI also have poor semen quality. Excess weight may cause high scrotal temperatures which reduce sperm quality, causing infertility. 1500 men will take part in this new study, which will take into consideration the BMI of different ethnic groups in New Zealand. Men will be asked to have their height, weight and waist measured and to have a blood sample tested for hormone levels. This data will then be correlated with their semen analysis results to see the impact of BMI.