Male infertility during antihypertensive therapy: are we addressing correctly the problem?
Journal Title: International Journal of Fertility & Sterility - Year 2016, Vol 10, Issue 3
Abstract
Male fertility significantly decreased in the last 50 years, as showed in several studies reporting a reduction of sperm counts per ml in the seminal fluid. Several “acute” pharmacological treatments, as antibiotics, could cause subclinical and temporary reduction of male fertility; conversely, long-term medical treatment may severely affect male fertility, although this effect could be considered transient in most of the cases. Thus, nowadays, several long-term pharmacological treatments may represent a clinical challenge. The association between several kind of antihypertensive drugs and reduction of male fertility has been showed in the mouse model, although the modification(s) which may alter this fine-regulated machinery are still far to be elucidated. Furthermore, well-designed observational studies and randomized controlled trials are needed to accurately define this association in human model, meaning a narrative overview synthesizing the findings of literature retrieved from searches of computerized databases. We strongly solicit future human studies (both observational and randomized clinical trials) on large cohorts with adequate statistical power which may clarify this possible association and the effects (reversible or permanent) of each drug. Furthermore, we suggest a close collaboration between general practitioners, cardiologists, and andrologists in order to choose the most appropriate antihypertensive therapy considering also patient’s reproductive desire and possible risk for his fertility.
Authors and Affiliations
Antonio Simone Laganà
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP562646
- DOI 10.22074/ijfs.2016.4633
- Views 161
- Downloads 0
Association of IL-1 and TNF-α Levels in Endometrial Secretion and Success of Embryo Transfer in IVF/ICSI Cycles
Background In this work, we have determined the levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), which function as cytokines in endometrial receptivity, through the endometrial secretion within the...
Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: Could It Be Related to Cell-Mediated Immunity Defect in Response to Candida Antigen?
Background Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC) is a common cause of morbidity affecting millions of women worldwide. Patients with RVVC are thought to have an underlying immunologic defect. This study has been esta...
The Genetics of Non-Syndromic Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: A Systematic Review
Several causes for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) have been described, including iatrogenic and environmental factor, viral infections, chronic disease as well as genetic alterations. The aim of this review was to c...
Flow Cytometric DNA Analysis and Histopathologic Re-Evaluation of Paraffin Embedded Samples from Hydatidiform Moles and Hydropic Abortions
Background Distinction of hydatidiform moles (HMs) from non-molar abortions and sub-classification of HMs are important for clinical practice; yet, diagnosis based solely on morphology is affected by interobserver variab...
The Effects of Testosterone on Oxidative Stress Markers in Mice with Spinal Cord Injuries
Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes infertility in male patients through erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, semen and hormone abnormalities. Oxidative stress (OS) is involved in poor semen quality and...