Semen as a marker of a man's overall health

Semen analysis is traditionally used to assess male fertility but has limited application beyond reproductive evaluation. Emerging evidence suggests that abnormal semen parameters may serve as indicators of broader health risks extending beyond fertility. Multiple studies have demonstrated associations between impaired semen quality or infertility and increased risks of sexual dysfunction, cancer, and chronic disease. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential for semen analysis to shed light beyond exclusive fertility assessment, and to provide broader insight into measures of a man’s long-term health. This review aims to summarize current evidence of the relationship between semen parameters with long-term health outcomes, and to evaluate the potential role of semen analysis as a screening tool for men’s overall health. Literature was sourced from PubMed and Scopus with an emphasis on articles published between 2020–2025. Keywords used included “Semen analysis”, “Infertility”, “Cancer”, and “Chronic Disease”. Only full-length texts from peer reviewed sources were included. Abnormal semen parameters have been associated with higher rates of erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and reduced libido. Men with infertility or impaired semen quality demonstrate increased risks of testicular and prostate cancers, as well as other malignancies. Beyond oncologic outcomes, infertile men are associated with higher incidences of hyperlipidemia, renal disease, and chronic pulmonary disease, and are more likely to develop diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and substance use disorders. Furthermore, abnormal semen parameters have been associated with increased all-cause mortality. Although abnormal semen parameters may not represent early manifestations of chronic disease, men with infertility or impaired semen quality appear to be more susceptible to various health conditions. Semen analysis performed during fertility evaluation may therefore provide valuable insight into a man’s overall health and potential long-term health risks, facilitating early detection and intervention.

Semen analysis; Infertility; Sexual function; Cancer; Chronic disease

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