MOSCOW – A new study of over 5,000 men has found those with a low spermcount are more likely to suffer from a number of health issues and have anoverall increased risk of illness.
The study analysed men in infertile couples in Italy to find out if thosewith a lower semen quality were in poor health in general. The analysis of5,177 men found a low sperm count meant participants were 20 percent morelikely to have higher body fat, blood pressure and cholesterol, Sputnik hasreported.
“*Men of couples having difficulties achieving pregnancy should becorrectly diagnosed, and followed up by their fertility specialists andprimary care doctor because they could have an increased chance ofmorbidity and mortality*,” said Dr Alberto Ferlin, leader of the study,which is being presented at ENDO 2018, link>> theEndocrine Society’s 100th annual meeting in Chicago, to the BBC link>>.
The men were also 12 times more likely to have low levels of testosterone,which can reduce muscle mass and bone density, possibly leading toosteoporosis in later life, making bones more brittle.
The results also suggest those with low sperm counts should undergo furthertesting as they are more susceptible to developing various health problemssuch as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, according to the study’sauthors.
Health issues aside, a low sperm count can greatly affect fertility and isthe main cause for one in three couples who are struggling to get pregnant.The scientists behind the study, however, say fertility testing has helpedmany men gain control of their health and start taking preventativemeasures to extend their life.
“*Infertile men are likely to have important co-existing health problems orrisk factors that can impair quality of life and shorten their lives.Fertility evaluation gives men the unique opportunity for health assessmentand disease prevention*,” said Dr Ferlin.
He stressed that the study doesn’t prove metabolic health problems aretriggered by a low sperm count, but rather the two are linked and furtherstudy is needed to determine a possible common cause between the two.