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Published on: March 6, 2018
Male infertility: possible association with valproate exposure
Epilepsia
|April 29, 1999
Summary
Valproate (VPA) exposure may cause male infertility by affecting sperm quality. Discontinuing VPA treatment led to improved sperm parameters and conception, suggesting a direct link.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Valproate (VPA) is associated with infertility in women with epilepsy.
- Male infertility in epilepsy patients is often attributed to social factors.
- This study investigates a potential direct link between VPA and male infertility.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old man with epilepsy on VPA monotherapy experienced infertility.
- Semen analysis revealed extremely low sperm count, motility, and viability, with abnormal morphology.
- Hormonal levels (FSH, LH, testosterone) were within normal ranges.
Findings:
- Following VPA discontinuation and initiation of Felbamate (FBM), the patient's sperm parameters significantly improved.
- Sperm count increased to over 16 million/ml, with 50% motility and 78% viability.
- The couple successfully conceived within 4 months of VPA cessation.
Implications:
- These findings suggest VPA may have a direct detrimental effect on sperm structure and function.
- Clinicians should consider VPA's impact on male fertility in patients with epilepsy.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the association between VPA and male infertility.
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