Is There an Association Between Insulin Resistance and Infertile Men With Non- Obstructive Azoospermia?

Purpose To investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and non-obstructive azoospermia in infertile men. Methods Seventy infertile men diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia or severe oligospermia and seventy infertile men with normospermia who presented to Suleymaniye Women’s Health Hospital between August 1, 2014, and August 1, 2016, were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic characteristics (height, weight, smoking status, duration of marriage) and laboratory parameters (FSH, LH, total testosterone, fasting insulin, fasting blood glucose, LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP) were compared between groups. Semen parameters were also analyzed. Comparisons were made using the Student’s t-test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age or marriage duration. However, body mass index (BMI) was significantly higher in the azoospermic group. FSH and LH levels were also higher in the azoospermic group, while total testosterone levels remained within normal ranges in both groups. Sperm count and progressive motility were lower in the azoospermic group. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of fasting glucose, insulin levels, lipid profile, or CRP levels. Conclusion Insulin resistance does not appear to be associated with non-obstructive azoospermia. The higher BMI observed in azoospermic men may suggest a potential role for obesity in male infertility. Weight management strategies may be beneficial for improving reproductive health in this population.