The Association of Medications and Supplements With Human Male Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review
October 2023
in “
Fertility and Sterility
”
TLDR Some medications and supplements can affect male fertility, with some improving and others harming sperm quality.
This systematic review of 222 studies investigates the effects of various medications and supplements on male reproductive health, focusing on sperm parameters and fertility outcomes. It finds that certain medications, such as sulfasalazine, can reversibly decrease sperm quality, while others like azathioprine show no adverse effects. Anabolic-androgenic steroids significantly impair sperm parameters, with recovery taking months after cessation. Supplements like Vitamin D and E have mixed results on sperm motility. Cardiovascular medications and some antihypertensives can negatively or positively affect sperm parameters, respectively. Antiepileptics and opioids are generally associated with decreased sperm quality, though some antiepileptics may improve specific parameters. The review highlights the complex interactions between medications and male fertility, emphasizing the importance of clinicians being aware of these interactions to guide patients towards more favorable alternatives for reproductive health.
