Anogenital distance and variability in semen parameters

[:es]López-Espín, J.J. (Center of Operations Research, Miguel Hernandez University, Elche); Pérez-Palazón, C. (Gynaecological Center of Reproduction and Genetics and Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine); Maldonado-Cárceles, A.B. (Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine and Department of Preventive Medicine, Reina Sofia University General Hospital, Murcia); Ramón-Arias, J.D. (Gynaecological Center of Reproduction and Genetics, Murcia); Mendiola, J. (Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine and CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), ISCIII, Madrid); Torres-Cantero, A.M. (Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Murcia School of Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, Reina Sofia University General Hospital, CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), ISCIII, Madrid and Regional Campus of Excellence Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia).
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze whether the anogenital distance (AGD) was associated with variability in semen parameters. Semen parameters analyzed following the WHO guidelines and sperm DNA fragmentation were evaluated in 160 semen samples obtained over a period of a year from 16 healthy male volunteers. Two types of AGD measurements from the anus to the rear base of the scrotum (AGD_AS) and to the cephalic insertion of the penis (AGD_AP) were taken in each individual. The association between AGDs and semen parameters were studied using three statistical tools: a) general coefficient of variation (CV) and intra-individual coefficient of variation (CV_i), b) general linear models for repeated measures, and c) mixed model fixed effects panel data. Men with shortened AGD_AP have significantly greater intra-individual variability in sperm concentration, total sperm count, and normal sperm morphology. Conversely, greater total sperm motility was observed in men with long AGD_AS. Shortened AGD_AS was associated with less intra-individual variability of total sperm motility (progressive and non-progressive). AGD measurements were associated with the variability in semen parameters. AGD may be useful to determine intra-individual variability in semen parameters. Abbreviations: AGD: anogenital distance; AGD_AP: anogenital distance from the anus to the cephalic insertion of the penis; AGD_AS: anogenital distance from the anus to the rear base of the scrotum; AIC: Akaike information criteria; BMI: body mass index; CV: general coefficient of variation; CV_i: intra-individual coefficient of variation; GLM: generalized linear model; PR+NP: total sperm motility. © 2017 Taylor & Francis.[:]