Antidepressant Associated Changes In Semen Parameters

Main Category: Depression
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Fertility;  Men's health
Article Date: 21 Nov 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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UroToday.com - The authors describe 2 patients who have had severely impaired sperm concentration and motility closely associated with the use of antidepressant medications.

They noted a temporal relationship between abnormal semen parameters and antidepressant therapy in these two patients. Each had normal semen parameters off medications.

The evaluation of each patient was unremarkable. While on antidepressant medications, both patients produced semen samples with marked impairment of sperm concentration and/or motility. Each patient demonstrated a normalization of sperm concentration and motility after discontinuation of antidepressants.

The authors hypothesize that Serotonin-reuptake inhibitor antidepressants may affect sperm transport, resulting in impaired sperm motility and concentration for some patients.

EDITORIAL COMMENT:

This is essentially a case report. However, the widespread use of these medications makes this observation potentially important. The clinician should be aware while further study is carried out.

C. Tanrikut, P. N. Schlegel. New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY

From The American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) New Orleans - 2006

Reviewed by UroToday.com Contributing Editor Harris M. Nagler, M.D., FACS

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