Exploring the link between periodontal disease and sperm quality: a comprehensive systematic review study

Periodontal diseases are among the most prevalent oral health conditions globally, with evidence suggesting their systemic effects, including potential impacts on male reproductive health. Inflammation associated with periodontitis might interfere with spermatogenesis and alter sperm parameters such as count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity. This systematic review aims to critically assess existing studies on the relationship between periodontal disease and sperm quality to delineate its clinical implications for male infertility.

The research was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) at the National Institute for Health Research (PROSPERO code: CRD420251005800). A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and Google Scholar, up to September 2024. Inclusion criteria targeted human studies reporting associations between periodontal health and sperm quality parameters. To assess the quality of the included studies, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used. Data were synthesized qualitatively and analyzed for trends.

Nine studies encompassing 1,386 participants were included. Evidence suggests a significant association between periodontitis and decreased sperm motility, abnormal morphology, and increased DNA fragmentation. However, findings on sperm count and concentration were inconsistent. Mechanistic pathways suggest that inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress contribute to these disruptions.

This review highlights the systemic implications of periodontal disease on male reproductive health. Given the global decline in male fertility, maintaining oral health may serve as an adjunct strategy in managing infertility. Future research should prioritize large-scale, longitudinal studies to establish causality and explore preventive interventions.