The Association between Reproductive Hormones and Semen Parameters: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study of Prediabetics in Southeast Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: An inverse relationship exists between insulin resistance and testosterone levels in nondiabetic men. The association between changes in reproductive hormones and prediabetes (PD) in men and the impact of these hormonal changes on the semen parameters are unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the association between reproductive hormones and semen parameters among prediabetics and compare the same with diabetics.

Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional comparative study of 75 adult males with PD, and 58 with diabetes based on screening who presented within the study period and selected by systematic random sampling through face-to-face interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Comparison between numerical variables was done using Fisher's test, while in the categorical variables, Chi-square test was used. Logistic regression analysis was used to find the association between the dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio at 95% confidence interval was used for the test of strength. The association was considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.

Results: All semen parameters were independently associated with PD, while semen volume, liquefaction, viscosity, and total count independently predicted diabetes mellitus (DM). Among prediabetics, low semen volume and concentration were associated with significantly lower mean total testosterone (TT). Semen histology in the two groups studied showed effects in semen integrity but more effects in subjects with DM.

Conclusion: Mean TT level was significantly associated with poor semen volume in diabetics. Respondents with PD and diabetes had higher odds of having abnormal semen parameters at various points. Therefore, PD poses a serious reproductive health challenge the same way that DM does.