Metabolic syndrome behind 23% of male infertility cases in India

Low testosterone levels, high fasting insulin, increased BMI or waist size, and high levels of oxidative stress are a few early warning signs of metabolic syndrome, says Dr Gauri Agarwal, IVF specialist and founder of Seeds of Innocens, in an interview with Ashish Srivastav.

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What specific components of metabolic syndrome like obesity, insulin resistance, or hypertension most significantly affect male reproductive health?

Among metabolic syndrome components, obesity and insulin resistance most significantly harm male reproductive health. Obesity causes hormonal imbalances—specifically lower testosterone and higher estrogen, raises inflammation and scrotal temperature, and damages sperm quality, count, motility, and DNA integrity. Insulin resistance, often tied to diabetes and prediabetes, further suppresses testosterone, increases oxidative stress, and harms sperm DNA even in otherwise healthy men.

Can lifestyle changes or medical interventions targeting metabolic syndrome reverse infertility or improve sperm quality in men?