Ongoing evidence has suggested the role of male factor infertility as a potential predictor of mortality and general health status. A systematic review of the existing litterature was carried out from inception to November 2019 in order to evaluate significant associations between male infertility and adverse health outcomes such as cardiovascular, oncologic, metabolic and autoimmune diseases as well as overall mortality. The aim of the review was to update the current knowledge base regarding the association between male factor infertility and general health through a critical review of the literature. The studies included involved a total of 599.807 men diagnosed with any male factor infertility covering a period from 1916 to 2016.
A man's fertility and overall health appear to be interconnected. Therefore, a diagnosis of male infertility may allow a window into future comorbidity and/or mortality which may help guide clinical decisions and counseling.