scholarly journals The Association Between Race, Obesity, and Sperm Quality Among Men Attending a University Physician Practice in Washington, DC

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 155798832092598
Author(s):  
Nathan L. McCray ◽  
Heather A. Young ◽  
Michael S. Irwig ◽  
David Frankfurter ◽  
Arnold M. Schwartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
World Health ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Physician Practice ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Hispanic Men

A decades-long decline in sperm counts in Western countries has coincided with an increase in obesity rates, prompting study into their association. Few of these studies have incorporated men of color, the sperm health of whom is relatively unknown. The present exploratory study evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI), race, ethnicity, and sperm parameters among a diverse sample of U.S. men attending a Washington, DC physician practice. Semen samples were collected and processed at a single laboratory and sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and count were evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) 5th edition criteria. Multivariate models accounted for covariates related to sperm health. The study population ( n = 128) was largely obese (45.3%) or overweight (34.4%), and 36.0% were black or Hispanic. Black men had lower adjusted sperm concentration compared to white men (75.0 million/mL to 107.4 million/mL, p = .01) and were more likely to have oligozoospermia ( p = .01), asthenozoospermia ( p = .004), and low sperm count ( p < .0001). Hispanic men had higher adjusted sperm concentration compared to non-Hispanic men (124.5 million/mL to 62.1 million/mL, p = .007) and were less likely to have teratozoospermia ( p = .001). Obesity and BMI were associated with lower sperm motility and count in crude models only. Given the study’s sample size its findings should be interpreted with caution but align with the limited epidemiological literature to date that has evaluated racial and ethnic differences in semen quality. Heightened clinical research attention is needed to ensure men of color are included in representative numbers in studies of urologic and andrologic health.

scholarly journals The Association Between Abstinence Period and Semen Parameters: Results in Normal Samples and Different Sperm Pathology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xie ◽  
Silvan Hämmerli ◽  
Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽  
Brigitte Leeners
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sexual Abstinence ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Total Motile Sperm Count ◽  
Abstinence Period

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence. Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013). Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.

scholarly journals Processed meat intake in relation to semen quality indicators among men attending a fertility clinic

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Danielewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Przybyłowicz ◽  
Jakub Morze
Keyword(s):  
Quality Indicators ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
World Health ◽  
Processed Meat ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Meat Intake

AbstractIt is estimated that in Central and Eastern Europe 8–12% of men are infertile, and in the case of 20% of infertile couples in the region, indicates a 56% part of the malefactor in the occurrence of infertility. Numerous studies have shown that a healthy diet with a high intake of fish and seafood, poultry, vegetables, fruits, legumes, through the high content of antioxidants are associated with better parameters of semen quality and reduced risk of asthenozoospermia. Men's diets may affect spermatogenesis as reflected in semen quality indicators, but the literature on the relation between meat intake and semen quality is limited. Our objective was to prospectively examine the relation between meats including red, poultry, proceesed and fish and indicators of semen quality. Men in subfertile couples presenting for evaluation at the Olsztyn Hospital Fertility Center were invited to participate in an ongoing study of environmental factors and fertility. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 208 men aged 18–55 years from Northern-Eastern Poland. Semen samples were collected at the clinic and analyses were performed by an experienced technician. Semen microscopic measurements were determined with the use of computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) and evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. A total of men completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire and subsequently provided semen samples. We used linear mixed regression models to examine the relation between meat intake and semen quality indicators (total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, and semen volume) while adjusting for potential confounders. After adjustment for age, BMI, physical activity, residence place and education, one serving increase in intake of processed meat was associated with a 56% higher risk of abnormal progressive sperm motility (OR = 1.56 95%CI:1.09–2.21). Consuming processed meat may have a negative impact on sperm counts and morphology. Potentially, these products may be a significant source of saturated and trans fatty acids, xenobiotics, mainly xenoestrogen, and steroids. Is need to clarify the potential effect of meat products, especially processed meat, on male reproductive potential in RCTs or longitudinal studies. Future findings may be useful to establish a more precise recommendation connected with red and processed meat intake in the context of reproductive health.

scholarly journals Effects of firefighting on semen parameters: an exploratory study

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. L13-L15
Author(s):  
Michelle Engelsman ◽  
Leisa-Maree L Toms ◽  
Xianyu Wang ◽  
Andrew P W Banks ◽  
Debbie Blake
Keyword(s):  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Occupational Exposures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Personal Hygiene

Lay summary Firefighters are occupationally exposed to heat intensities and chemical concentrations that may affect fertility. Twenty firefighters participated in an exploratory study assessing fertility of firefighters via an online survey and semen analysis. Data analysis included consideration of demographic characteristics, reproductive history and occupational exposures. Overall, firefighter semen parameters were below World Health Organisation reference values designating fertility in men. Firefighters younger than 45 years had a higher incidence of abnormal semen parameters (42%) than those aged 45 years or greater (9%). Increased rank and higher levels of occupational and/or personal hygiene were associated with improved semen quality. Increased frequency of fire exposure was associated with a reduction in normal forms, volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count. Sperm clumping was greater than 10% in 26% of samples, suggesting reduced semen quality. This exploratory study provides novel data that support the hypothesis of an association between semen quality and firefighter’s occupational exposure to toxic environments.

scholarly journals The Association Between Abstinence Period And Semen Parameters: Results In Normal Samples And Different Sperm Pathology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xie ◽  
Silvan Haemmerli ◽  
Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽  
Brigitte Leeners
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sexual Abstinence ◽  
Normal Morphology ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Total Motile Sperm Count ◽  
Abstinence Period

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence.Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013).Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.

scholarly journals Association of Anxiety With Sperm Quality: a Multicentre Cross-sectional Study in China During the COVID-19 Outbreak

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongfeng Wang ◽  
Liting He ◽  
Yunyi Yang ◽  
Lihui Tu ◽  
Jigao Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Quality Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Progressive Motility

Abstract Objectives: There is no report about association of anxiety on sperm quality during the COVID-19 epidemic. Purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between anxiety and sperm quality during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.Methods: 896 sperm donors from 7 sperm banks in China were investigated, and passed the screening for sperm donation between 23 January 2020 and 8 June 2020. Semen quality analysis follows the standards of the WHO Fifth Edition Human Semen Examination and Processing Manual. Anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scal-7(GAD-7). Logistic regression and linear regression were used to identify the association between anxiety level and sperm quality.Results: Participants with anxiety status (N = 155; 17.3%) had lower sperm concentration (56.81 ± 32.70 vs. 47.21 ± 30.76 [106/mL]), sperm volume (3.58 ± 1.65 vs. 3.04 ± 1.69 [mL], P < 0.001), total sperm count (7.29 ± 1.23 vs. 6.56 ± 1.63 [106], P < 0.001), and progressive motility (50.86 ± 12.45 vs. 38.50 ± 17.00 [%], P < 0.001) than those without anxiety. Linear regression showed that anxiety symptoms was significantly associated with 8.13 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.51, 13.75), 0.49 (0.20, 0.79) ,51.05 (23.43, 78.68) and 12.15 (95% CI: 23.43, 78.68), reduction in sperm concentration, semen volume, and total sperm count and progressive motility respectively.Conclusions: This study revealed that anxiety symptoms were negatively associated with semen quality, and interaction was discovered between debt stress and anxiety.

scholarly journals Semen quality among Danish and Finnish men attempting to conceive. The Danish First Pregnancy Planner Study Team

2000 ◽  
Vol 142 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
TK Jensen ◽  
M Vierula ◽  
NH Hjollund ◽  
M Saaranen ◽  
T Scheike ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Cohort Effect ◽  
World Health ◽  
Follow Up Studies ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Selection Of

OBJECTIVE: To assess differences in semen quality between similar populations from Denmark and Finland. DESIGN: Comparison of semen quality between 221 Finnish men (of whom 115 had no proven fertility) and 411 Danish men with no proven fertility in two follow-up studies among normal couples trying to conceive. METHODS: In Finland male partners of couples without experienced infertility attempting to conceive were recruited through advertisements in local newspapers from 1984 to 1986. From 1992 to 1995 Danish men who lived with a partner and who had not attempted to achieve a pregnancy previously were recruited through their union when they discontinued birth control. All semen analyses were performed in accordance with the World Health Organization guidelines. RESULTS: Median sperm concentration, total sperm count and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa were significantly higher among the Finnish men without proven fertility (104.0 million/ml, 304.0 million and 58% respectively) compared with the Danish men (53.0 million/ml, 140.8 million, and 41% respectively). Sperm concentration was 105.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 58.1%-167.6%) and total sperm count was 127.4% (95% CI 71.4%-201.6%) higher among Finnish men without proven fertility than among Danish men after control for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Some, but hardly all, of the observed difference in semen quality may be explained by differences in recruitment procedures, selection of the men and by methodological differences in semen analysis between the two countries. Also a birth cohort effect may explain some of the differences between countries as the Finnish men were recruited 11 years before the Danish men. Therefore, follow-up studies with identical recruitment and selection of men from the two countries are needed.

Effect of a phytoestrogen food supplement on reproductive health in normal males

2001 ◽  
Vol 100 (6) ◽  
pp. 613-618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie H. MITCHELL ◽  
Elizabeth CAWOOD ◽  
David KINNIBURGH ◽  
Anne PROVAN ◽  
Andrew R. COLLINS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Semen Parameters

Animal studies and human intervention trials have demonstrated the cancer chemopreventive properties of plant phytoestrogens, and phytoestrogen supplements are now widely available ‘over-the-counter’. However, consumption of phytoestrogen-rich diets can cause impaired fertility and reproductive tract disorders in some animals and the apparent decline in human sperm quality over recent decades may be related to increased exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors. The present study determines the effects of a short-term phytoestrogen supplement on semen quality and serum sex steroid and gonadotrophin levels in human males. Healthy volunteers took a supplement containing 40 mg of isoflavones daily for 2 months and donated blood and semen samples monthly for 2 months before and 4 months after supplementation. Semen samples were analysed for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility and morphology. Blood samples were analysed for sex hormone and gonadotrophin levels and phytoestrogen concentrations, and testicular volume was measured using an orchidometer. The phytoestrogen supplement increased plasma genistein and daidzein concentrations to approx. 1 µM and 0.5 µM respectively; yet, there was no observable effect on endocrine measurements, testicular volume or semen parameters over the study period. This is the first study to examine the effects of a phytoestrogen supplement on reproductive health in males. We conclude that the phytoestrogen dose consumed had no effect on semen quality.

scholarly journals REGIONAL PECULIARITIES IN SEMEN QUALITY AND SERUM HORMONAL CONCENTRATIONS OF CITIZENS FROM EASTERN SIBERIA

2012 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 50-55
Author(s):  
L. V. Osadchuk ◽  
M. A. Kleshchev ◽  
N. V. Gutorova ◽  
P. G. Petrova ◽  
I. P. Troev ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Normal Values ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Unselected Population ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Permanent Residents

The objective of the present study was to evaluate sperm quality and reproductive hormonal level in an unselected population of men who were permanent residents of the Yakutsk city and compare the semen and hormonal parameters with the World Health Organization (WHO, 2001) recommended normal values and the results from other countries. A total of 145 men (mean age 24,1 years) agreed to be included in the study. All the volunteers completed a questionnaire, received a general and reproductive health examination by an andrologist, gave semen and blood samples. We found that the means were 34,69 × 106 spermatozoa/mL for sperm concentration and 39,6% for total motile spermatozoa. Among all volunteers studied 4,3% had azoospermia, 27,0% reported oligozoospermia, 68,1% ― asthenozoospermia. There are no differences between Yakut and Slavs in anthropometric, hormonal or sperm measures, but height and ejaculate volume were higher in Slavs than Yakut men. The data obtained indicated high frequency of suboptimal quality of sperm in males of both nations from this Siberian region in comparison with other Russian regions or European countries.  

The Prevalence of Bacteriospermia in Infertile Men and Association with Semen Quality in Southwestern Iran

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Motamedifar ◽  
Yalda Malekzadegan ◽  
Parisa Namdari ◽  
Behzad Dehghani ◽  
Bahia Namavar Jahromi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
Infertile Men ◽  
Southwestern Iran

Introduction: Infertility considered as a social and public health issue and estimated that most of these infertile couples are residents of developing countries. Infectious diseases including the history of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) may impact on male reproductive function. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contaminants of semen and probable association with sperm quality of infertile men in Iranian population. Methods: The study population consisted of 200 infertile men and 150 fertile men attending an infertility Center in southwestern Iran during the study period in 2015. The assessment of sperm parameters was according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The presumptive pathogens were identified using standard microbiology tests and confirmed by specific PCR primers. Results: The prevalence of bacteriospermia in the semen of the infertile group was significantly higher than that in the fertile group (48% vs. 26.7%, P <0.001). The microbiological analysis of samples showed that the most abundant species of bacteria in semen of infertile men were Chlamydia trachomatis (12.5%) followed by Neisseria gonorrhoeae (11%). On the other hand, in the control group, Lactobacillus spp. (17.3%) was the most isolated pathogen. Results showed that the presence of N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Haemophilus, and Klebsiella was significantly associated with sperm abnormality. Conclusion: Based on our findings, it seems that bacteriospermia is associated with alterations in the properties of semen which may lead to a decrease in the fertilization potential of sperm. Therefore, immediate and appropriate treatment is necessary before investigating every other possible cause of infertility.

scholarly journals Urinary Bisphenol A, F and S Levels and Semen Quality in Young Adult Danish Men

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1742
Author(s):  
Thea Emily Benson ◽  
Anne Gaml-Sørensen ◽  
Andreas Ernst ◽  
Nis Brix ◽  
Karin Sørig Hougaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bisphenol A ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Negative Binomial Regression Model

Bisphenol A (BPA) is considered an endocrine disruptor and has been associated with deleterious effects on spermatogenesis and male fertility. Bisphenol F (BPF) and S (BPS) are structurally similar to BPA, but knowledge of their effects on male fertility remains limited. In this cross–sectional study, we investigated the associations between exposure to BPA, BPF, and BPS and semen quality in 556 men 18–20 years of age from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort. A urine sample was collected from each participant for determination of BPA, BPF, and BPS concentrations while a semen sample was collected to determine ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Associations between urinary bisphenol levels (continuous and quartile–divided) and semen characteristics were estimated using a negative binomial regression model adjusting for urine creatinine concentration, alcohol intake, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), fever, sexual abstinence time, maternal pre–pregnancy BMI, and first trimester smoking, and highest parental education during first trimester. We found no associations between urinary bisphenol of semen quality in a sample of young men from the general Danish population.

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