Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Journal of Reproduction & Infertility

Effects of Pharmaceutical Medications on Male Fertility

Authors
Paul R. Brezina 1
Fahd N. Yunus 2
Yulian Zhao 1
1 Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
2 Zanvyl Kreiger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
Abstract
The number of couples seeking consultation for infertility problems has steadily increased over the past decade, affecting 10%-15% of the sexually active population. Abnormal semen production, a male factor infertility (MFI), is thought to be the cause of up to 50% of all infertilities in developed countries. There are potentially many different causes of male infertility, including hormonal, anatomical, and secondary to exposure to exogenous substances. In many cases of MFI, a definitive cause for abnormalities is never identified. Recently, the research community has given greater attention to identifying causes of MFI ranging from genetic Y chromosome microdeletions to mechanisms of environmental damage on sperm production. Still evolving, is a clear understanding of how many pharmaceutical medications may cause MFI, which is often treatable and reversible. In this review we will out-line the data regarding various pharmaceutical medications that have been investigated as possible causes of MFI.
Keywords
Male infertility
Medications
Pregnancy
review
Sperm
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Journal of Reproduction & Infertility
Volume 13, Issue 1
Winter 2012
Pages 3-11