Male BMI effects embryo quality, IVF outcome

Male body mass index (BMI) influences pregnancy outcome in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) through its effect on embryo quality rather than on sperm parameters, report researchers.

The quality of the transferred embryos influenced implantation rates, something that was directly reflected in IVF outcomes in the study, report Georgios Anifandis (University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece) and colleagues in Andrology.

In a retrospective analysis of 301 couples undergoing IVF, there was no correlation found overall between BMI and semen volume or concentration.

However, on stratifying the couples by BMI, the team found that in cases where both the male and female were overweight or obese, as defined by a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2, the cumulative embryo score was significantly lower than when both were lean or normal weight (normal weight group, BMI ≤25 kg/m2) or when only the females were overweight or obese but the males were not (overweight/obese female group).

Among couples where the female was lean or normal weight but the male was overweight or obese (overweight/obese male group), the embryo quality was again significantly lower than in the normal weight group and the obese female group.

In addition, "it seems that the quality of the embryos produced by each group played a crucial role in the implantation rate," say Anifandis and colleagues, who found that the implantation rate was significantly higher among the normal weight and obese female groups than in the obese group or obese male group.

In addition, pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the normal weight group and obese female group than in the obese group and obese male group.

The team says previous research has shown a link between increased BMI in men and abnormalities in levels of almost all of the reproductive hormones.

It seems that the BMI of men via the alteration in hormonal parameters influences the sperm DNA integrity to such a degree that this alteration has a direct impact on embryo quality, say Anifandis et al.

However, "whether the BMI of men or the deviation of hormonal parameters influence embryo quality remains to be further clarified," they conclude.

Licensed from medwireNews with permission from Springer Healthcare Ltd. ©Springer Healthcare Ltd. All rights reserved. Neither of these parties endorse or recommend any commercial products, services, or equipment.

Sally Robertson

Written by

Sally Robertson

Sally first developed an interest in medical communications when she took on the role of Journal Development Editor for BioMed Central (BMC), after having graduated with a degree in biomedical science from Greenwich University.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Robertson, Sally. (2018, August 23). Male BMI effects embryo quality, IVF outcome. News-Medical. Retrieved on September 12, 2025 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20120924/Male-BMI-effects-embryo-quality-IVF-outcome.aspx.

  • MLA

    Robertson, Sally. "Male BMI effects embryo quality, IVF outcome". News-Medical. 12 September 2025. <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20120924/Male-BMI-effects-embryo-quality-IVF-outcome.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Robertson, Sally. "Male BMI effects embryo quality, IVF outcome". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20120924/Male-BMI-effects-embryo-quality-IVF-outcome.aspx. (accessed September 12, 2025).

  • Harvard

    Robertson, Sally. 2018. Male BMI effects embryo quality, IVF outcome. News-Medical, viewed 12 September 2025, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20120924/Male-BMI-effects-embryo-quality-IVF-outcome.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

Sign in to keep reading

We're committed to providing free access to quality science. By registering and providing insight into your preferences you're joining a community of over 1m science interested individuals and help us to provide you with insightful content whilst keeping our service free.

or

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Genetic testing of IVF-created embryos could help more women over 35 have a baby sooner