Medicines Can Lower Sperm Count: Research Suggests That Common Allergy Drugs Causes Infertility in Men
The researchers discovered antihistamines were likely to affect the production of male sexual hormones in the testicles.
Antihistamines or common allergy drugs have been linked to fertility problems in men. These drugs are often used to relieve symptoms of allergies such as hay fever, hives, conjunctivitis and reactions to insect bites or stings and are available either over-the-counter or on prescription. The rise in allergies in the modern world has led to greater use of these drugs in recent years. Argentinian researchers at the Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine of Buenos Aires, published a review in the journal, Reproduction, which found several studies reported adverse effects of antihistamine on normal testicular function. The researchers discovered antihistamines were likely to affect the production of male sexual hormones in the testicles which affects morphology, mobility and sperm counts.
The researchers who analysed several animal studies said that further research was needed as human studies were still very limited, but they cautioned against antihistamine overuse. Histamine is a molecule that is produced in the body as a reaction to an allergen. Antihistamines relieve these reactions but are also involved in other mechanisms of the body like bringing sleep. Below are some medications that affects the sperm count in men.
List of drugs that may affect male infertility
Testosterone: Replacement or supplemental testosterone has a strong negative effect on sperm production. When it is given to a man, the hormonal signals that tell the testicles to make testosterone and to make sperm are blocked and the man’s natural testosterone production stops.
Anabolic steroids: These drugs are used to build muscle mass or decrease body fat. The use of these drugs is increasing among non-competitive athletes and non-athletes. Unfortunately, fitness and muscle-building dietary supplements from less reputable sources may be tainted with anabolic steroids. Men should avoid using these drugs because of their strong negative impact on male infertility.
Chemotherapy: All chemotherapy medications used to treat cancer will inhibit sperm production. It is advisable for you to talk to your doctor about freezing your sperms before starting chemotherapy. Depending on the type of chemotherapy and the duration of treatment, men may have return of sperm production within two years.
Ketoconazole: This medication is used to treat fungal infections. It is commonly applied to the skin as a cream or ointment. But there is no evidence that the application to the skin harms male fertility. However, taken as a pill, ketoconazole hurts testosterone production and decreases sperm production.
Other medications: Viagra, herbal Viagra and tranquilisers also reduce the sperm in men. Antidepressants like Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft can alter libido and the ability to get an erection or ejaculate. These drugs may also damage sperm and make them unable to fertilise an egg.
Men who wish to father a child soon and are on strong medications, check with your doctor if they are affecting your sperm count. Apart from medications, consumption of alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco can also lead to infertility in men. Non-FDA approved male fertility supplements may be widely advertised as fertility enhancers but are not scientifically proven. Before you take any supplements, it is imperative to discuss it with a healthcare provider.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 10, 2018 08:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).