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Semaglutide Protects Testicular Function From Diabetic Damage in Rats

RPEP-097342025Abdel-Wahab, Basel A; El-Shoura, Ehab A M; Habeeb, Mohammed S; Aldabaan, Nayef A; Ahmed, Yasmine H; Zaafar, Dalia
Animal StudyPreliminary evidence
The takeaway

Semaglutide improved testicular function, sperm parameters, and reproductive hormone levels in diabetic rats, suggesting GLP-1 drugs may protect male fertility from diabetes-related damage.

Fertility protected

Semaglutide improved sperm parameters and reproductive hormones in diabetic rats, adding male fertility protection to GLP-1 benefits

What the researchers found

Semaglutide improved sperm parameters, reproductive hormones, and testicular histology in diabetic rats by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Why it matters

Diabetes-related male infertility affects millions. If GLP-1 drugs protect testicular function alongside metabolic benefits, diabetic men on these drugs may preserve fertility better.

The numbers in context

28 adult male rats were divided into 4 groups (7 per group). Specific testicular function measurements were analyzed but not detailed in the available abstract.

How the study worked

Diabetic rat model treated with semaglutide. Assessed sperm count, motility, morphology, reproductive hormones, testicular histology, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers.

Who was studied

28 adult male rats: control, semaglutide-only, diabetic, and diabetic + semaglutide groups

What this study cannot tell us

Rat study. Human male reproductive responses to GLP-1 drugs may differ. Effects of weight loss vs direct GLP-1R activation on testes are not separated.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary evidence: rat diabetes model with reproductive outcome assessment. No human fertility data.

When this study was published

Published in 2024. Expands GLP-1 protective effects to male reproductive health.

The bigger picture

GLP-1 drugs continue to reveal protective effects across virtually every organ system — now including male reproductive organs. For diabetic men concerned about fertility, GLP-1 drugs may offer dual metabolic and reproductive benefits.

Questions still open

  • Do diabetic men on semaglutide show better fertility outcomes than those on other diabetes drugs?
  • Is the testicular protection from direct GLP-1R activation or secondary to improved metabolic health?
  • Could GLP-1 drugs be recommended specifically for diabetic men with fertility concerns?

Common questions

Can diabetes affect male fertility?
Yes — diabetes damages blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, including the testes. It can reduce sperm quality, lower testosterone, and impair erectile function. This study shows semaglutide can reverse some of this damage in diabetic rats.
Does semaglutide help with male fertility?
In diabetic rats, semaglutide improved sperm count, quality, and reproductive hormones. While human studies are needed, diabetic men taking GLP-1 drugs may be getting some fertility protection as a side benefit of their metabolic treatment.

Read the original research

Unraveling the impact of semaglutide in a diabetic rat model of testicular dysfunction: Insights into spermatogenesis pathways and miRNA-148a-5p.

Steroids, 213, 109537

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Abdel-Wahab, Basel A; El-Shoura, Ehab A M; Habeeb, Mohammed S; Aldabaan, Nayef A; Ahmed, Yasmine H; Zaafar, Dalia. (2025). Unraveling the impact of semaglutide in a diabetic rat model of testicular dysfunction: Insights into spermatogenesis pathways and miRNA-148a-5p.. Steroids, 213, 109537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109537