Drugs That Affect Male Sexual Function

Drug use among men with unfulfilled wish to father children: a retrospective analysis and discussion of specific drug classes

“…Because non‐prescription drugs, e.g. antihistamines, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or recreational drugs may as well influence male fertility or sexual function, a comprehensive assessment of all consumed medication is reasonable. Moreover, our study focused on unintentionally childless men seeking fertility evaluation, while the North European cohort studies included men successfully fathering children.…”

“…dopamine and prolactin, and thereby negatively impact erectile function, libido, and spermatogenesis. Additionally, anticholinergic, sedative, and alpha‐adrenergic effects may impair sexual function . Nevertheless, psychiatric diseases themselves are associated with a higher risk for infertility and sexual dysfunction .…”

“…Additionally, anticholinergic, sedative, and alpha‐adrenergic effects may impair sexual function . Nevertheless, psychiatric diseases themselves are associated with a higher risk for infertility and sexual dysfunction . Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, favoured because of their side effect profile, are known to cause reversible semen abnormalities .…”

Transfer of knowledge into clinical practice: an ongoing problem. An example of adverse drug reactions impairing male fertility

“…Raised prolactin levels are listed as a very rare side effect 1 4. In addition, changes in serum concentrations of male reproductive hormones have been found, including elevated sex-hormone binding globulin (normalising after discontinuation), and decreased free testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone 2 4. On the contrary, some studies found elevated testosterone levels during carbamazepine administration 5.…”

“…The patient contacted the DIS again, asking if metoprolol might have a negative impact on spermatogenesis and if there was a correlation between the carbamazepine dose and the negative effects on male fertility. He was informed that no negative effects of metoprolol on spermatogenesis or male fertility are to be expected, but erectile dysfunction can occur in some patients 4 5. The patient was encouraged to ask his general practitioner for a formal report to the authorities about lercanidipine potentially causing raised prolactin levels.…”