Journal article
Elevated lipid levels and altered semen parameters in men of couples seeking fertility care
American journal of epidemiology
05/12/2026
DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwag103
PMID: 42118581
Abstract
Elevated lipid levels may adversely impact sperm quality, raising concerns about infertility, amid the rising prevalence of cardiometabolic disease. However, evidence on associations between elevated lipids and semen quality parameters is limited, with the need for real-world studies. We examined this association using data from the Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation Trial (FAZST), a double-blind, placebo-controlled, block-randomized trial from 2013-2017. We included 2321 males (≥18 years) in couples seeking infertility treatment who completed baseline questionnaires and provided blood and semen samples. We examined associations between elevated lipid levels, and semen volume, concentration, morphology, count, and total motility at baseline and 6-months, and DNA fragmentation at 6-months. Generalized linear and log-binomial models with inverse probability of treatment and selection weights were used to address confounding and losses-to-follow-up. At baseline, 1343 (57.9%) men had elevated lipid levels, with a higher likelihood of increased BMI, comorbidity burden, and male factor infertility. In baseline-adjusted linear models, men with elevated lipid levels had reduced semen volume and altered morphology. Reductions in sperm concentration and count were observed, but imprecise. Similar patterns were observed at 6-months, including reduced total motility. These findings suggest that elevated lipid levels may negatively affect semen quality and fertility.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Elevated lipid levels and altered semen parameters in men of couples seeking fertility care
- Creators
- Sonia Marzia Grandi - Hospital for Sick ChildrenSunni L Mumford - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentStefanie N Hinkle - University of PennsylvaniaLauren S Tailor - Hospital for Sick ChildrenLindsey A Sjaarda - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentKerry S Flanagan - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentKenneth I Aston - University of UtahTimothy Jenkins - Brigham Young UniversityJim Hotaling - University of UtahErica B Johnstone - University of UtahBradley J Van Voorhis - University of IowaGinny Ryan - University of Washington Medical CenterNeil J Perkins - Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human DevelopmentEnrique F Schisterman - University of Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- American journal of epidemiology
- DOI
- 10.1093/aje/kwag103
- PMID
- 42118581
- ISSN
- 0002-9262
- eISSN
- 1476-6256
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 05/12/2026
- Academic Unit
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Record Identifier
- 9985163461402771
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