Infertility is a serious medical and social problem. The frequency of infertile couples is constantly increasing.
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The male factor of infertility occurs with almost the same frequency as the female’s and has been constantly progressing for the last 50 years.
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Obesity is considered to be one of the reasons for the alteration of reproductive system.
Being overweight suppresses testosterone, stimulates the female hormone estradiol, inhibits sperm production, reduces sexual function, causes insulin resistance and leads to diabetes, hypertension and their bad consequences.
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Obesity is determined by body mass index (BMI) using the formula: body weight (kg)/height (m2)
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Studies have shown that overweight (BMI 25-29 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI> 30 kg/m2) in men significantly increases the incidence of infertility.
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How to start the diagnosis from the view of an andrologist❓
🔺 Semen analysis (spermogram) + Test for Sperm DNA Fragmentation.
🔺 Hormonal reproductive profile (total testosterone, free testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin)
🔺 Carbohydrate metabolism (glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin, HOMA index)
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How to treat❓
🔺 Low-calorie diet aimed at weight loss. Quitting smoking and alcohol.
🔺 Regular aerobic exercise of medium intensity (morning exercise, hiking, swimming, running) lasting 30-45 minutes from 3 to 5 times a week, as well as any other possible set of exercises.
🔺 Pharmacological correction of carbohydrate metabolism disorders if necessary
🔺 Treatment of endothelial dysfunction
🔺 Antioxidant therapy if necessary
🔺 Restoration of testosterone function and inhibition of estradiol (female
sex hormone) if necessary.
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It is recommended to treat such patients mutually by andrologist and endocrinologist. It’s also important to follow gynecologist’s recommendations for the female partner in order to achieve the common goal and become happy parents.
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Remember that the absence of obesity is not just reproductive health, but also high quality of life and a guarantee of longevity!
