Male infertility and the impact of lifestyle in the Greek population: A case–control study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Collection of epidemiological data has become a crucial step in every fertility evaluation, especially regarding idiopathic male infertility. Information on data such as tobacco smoking, alcohol intake, and body mass index can provide crucial information regarding the dynamics between fertility status and everyday practices. We aim to set the base for epidemiological studies on male infertility in the Greek population. METHODS: Four hundred and fourteen Greek volunteers were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding their characteristics and lifestyle preferences, followed by a seminogram. Depending on their answers, they were divided into groups and data were analyzed for correlation with seminogram parameters using Spearman's rank correlation test. RESULTS: Our results indicate that a high body mass index (BMI) is negatively correlated with all three seminogram parameters (number, motility, and morphology) and exposure to radiation or chemicals is negatively correlated with sperm motility, with a p < 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate negative correlations of BMI and exposure to radiation/chemicals with semen parameters in the Greek population. Such information can be used to plan a diagnostic approach or even therapeutic interventions.