Inflammatory arthritis diagnosed prior to peak age tied to impaired male fertility: BMJ

The results of the study are as follows:

· In total 628 participants diagnosed with IA were included.

· Men diagnosed ≤30 years had a lower mean number of children than men diagnosed between 31 and 40 years and men diagnosed ≥41 years

· This was statistically significant

· The percentages of men diagnosed ≤30 and 31–40 years who were involuntary childless and who reported having received medical evaluations for fertility problems were statistically significantly higher than men diagnosed ≥41 years.

Thus, the researchers concluded that This is the first study that shows that IA can impair male fertility. Men diagnosed with IA before and during the peak of reproductive age had a lower fertility rate, higher childlessness rate and more fertility problems. Increased awareness and more research into the causes behind this association are urgently needed.

Reference:

Impaired fertility in men diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis: results of a large multicentre study (iFAME-Fertility) by Perez-Garcia L et. al published in the Inflammatory arthritis.

doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-220709