The impact of lifestyle and demographic factors on semen parameters

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To identify the possible associations between semen parameters and different demographic or lifestyle factors with known roles in fertility. Material and methods: The present retrospective study has taken place over a period of 12 months and has included 876 male patients who have presented themselves for fertility medical testing in a Fertility Center. They provided semen samples which were analysed through the use of semen analysis, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) standards, providing basic information about spermatogenesis. Results: Some significant statistical correlations were observed between different sperm parameters and demographic and lifestyle factors. Conclusions: The present study shows that age, the number of abstinence days, obesity, smoking, some medical condition like varicocele or genetic factors,, as well as correct patient sample collection and analysing methods can greatly influence the different diagnostics decisions, on the basis of the sperm analysis, with different significations regarding the masculine fertility prognostic.