Effect of Obesity on the Outcomes of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) in Infertile Men

Obesity is a major global health risk, affecting about 300 million people. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is less effective among males with elevated body mass index. This study examined the effect of male BMI and results of ICSI, fertilization, cleavage, embryo development, and pregnancy rate. The total of 150 male partners were categorized as Normal BMI (18–24.9 kg/m², n=50), Overweight (25–29.9 kg/m², n=50), and Obese (30–39.9 kg/m², n=50). Rates of fertilization and cleavage, embryo grading, and ICSI/pregnancy outcomes were assessed. Results showed obesity adversely affects semen parameters, concentration, motility, morphology, and abnormalities, and, consequently, fertilization rates were 80.2%, 77.2%, and 75.4%; cleavage rates were 86.2%, 83.7%, and 66.3%; and pregnancy rates were 54%, 44%, and 38% for normal, overweight, and obese men, respectively. Conclusion: male obesity negatively impacts ICSI outcomes and may contribute to male infertility.Conclusion: male obesity negatively impacts ICSI outcomes and may contribute to male infertility.Keywords: Male infertility, obese males, ICSI outcome, Pregnancy rate.