Ejaculate parameters and the results of <i>in vitro </i> fertilization treatment in infertile couples with overweight and obese men

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infertility and obesity are actual and at the same time occurring problems of many couples. Conflicting data have been obtained on ejaculate parameters and the results of infertility treatment using in vitro fertilization treatment (IVF) in overweight and obese men. AIM: To evaluate the results of examination and treatment using ART, depending on the body mass index (BMI) of men in infertile couples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the results of treatment at the International Center for Reproductive Medicine in 368 infertile couples was carried out. The mean age of men and women was 36.4 6.2 and 33.9 5 years, respectively. Previous treatment for varicocele, sexually transmitted infections, prostatitis and cryptorchidism was performed in 58 (15.7%), 43 (11.7%), 42 (11.4%) and 11 (2.9%) men, respectively. Height and weight were measured for all patients, and BMI was calculated. The ejaculate was processed using a gradient medium (SupraSperm, Origio), IVF or ICSI were used in 110 (29.9%) and 258 (70.1%) couples, respectively, signs of good embryo quality were determined according to recommendations of professional societies for reproductive medicine. The onset of pregnancy was confirmed by the results of ultrasound sonography of the uterus. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The BMI mean was 27.4 4.4 kg/m2, overweight and obesity of the 1st and 2nd degrees were observed in 161 (43%), 58 (15.8%) and 23 (7%) men respectively. Higher BMI values of men corresponded to higher BMI values of women (p 0.001), BMI values did not depend on ejaculate volume, concentration, total number and number of motile spermatozoa, proportion of high-quality embryos, and pregnancy rate. The highest pregnancy rate was noted after treatment of couples with younger women and higher values of the total number, concentration and number of progressively motile spermatozoa and ejaculate volume (p = 0.037, p = 0.028, p 0.001, p = 0.003, p 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obese men prevail in infertile couples seeking IVF treatment. IVF treatment can overcome infertility in couples with overweight and obese men.