The Relationship between Anogenital Distance, Fatherhood, and Fertility in Adult Men
Author Information
Author(s): Michael L. Eisenberg, Michael H. Hsieh, Rustin Chanc Walters, Ross Krasnow, Larry I. Lipshultz
Primary Institution: Baylor College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Does anogenital distance vary in fertile compared to infertile adult men?
Conclusion
A longer anogenital distance is associated with fatherhood and may predict normal male reproductive potential.
Supporting Evidence
- Infertile men had significantly shorter mean anogenital distance compared to fertile controls.
- For each 1 cm increase in AGD, sperm density increases by 4.3 million sperm per mL.
- AGD was significantly correlated with sperm density and total motile sperm count.
Takeaway
Boys with longer anogenital distances tend to be fathers and have better sperm counts, which might help us understand male fertility.
Methodology
A cross-sectional study measuring anogenital distance and penile length in men evaluated for infertility and proven fertility.
Potential Biases
Potential observer bias due to knowledge of participants' diagnoses.
Limitations
The study may have observer bias and the sample may not represent all infertile men.
Participant Demographics
117 infertile men (mean age: 35.3) and 56 fertile men (mean age: 44.8), with 64.1% white, 12.7% Hispanic, and 12.1% African American.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.53, 8.09
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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