Longitudinal follow-up study on the reproductive health status and comorbidities in infertile men

A possible link between reproductive and somatic health status has been emphasised, noting a higher prevalence/incidence of comorbidities and increased mortality in infertile male men compared to the general population. In more than 70% of cases, the causes of infertility remain unexplained, leaving this association unknown and far from being identified. This project aims to confirm this association by re-evaluating patients with idiopathic or unexplained infertility, 10 years or more after their initial visit to our centre for fertility workup. The reappraisal will consist of a questionnaire, focusing on epidemiological and somatic health assessment, a clinical follow-up (for a specific reappraisal of reproductive health status) and a comparison with data from the general population, obtained from the NAKO study, Germany's largest population study. Confirming this link could play an important role in expanding our understanding of male infertility and help address the current gap in male prevention strategies.