Men with low sperm counts are more likely to have a number of health issues that put them at increased risk of illness, new research suggests.

A study of 5,177 men found those with low sperm counts were 20% more likely to have more body fat, higher blood pressure and more “bad” cholesterol.

They were also much more likely to have low testosterone levels.

The study’s authors said it showed that men with low sperm counts should also be tested for other health problems.

Dr Alberto Ferlin, who led the study, said: “Infertile men are likely to have important co-existing health problems or risk factors that can impair quality of life and shorten their lives.

The study will be presented at ENDO 2018, the Endocrine Society’s 100th annual meeting in Chicago.