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Antibiotics: potential hazards to male fertility
P N Schlegel1, T S Chang, F F Marshall
1Population Council, Center for Biomedical Research, New York, New York.
Abstract:
Individual agents within each of the major classes of antibiotics have been shown to have significant adverse effects on spermatogenesis or spermatozoal function in mammals. For humans, infertility or significant alterations in semen parameters have been well documented for the nitrofurans and for patients on sulfasalazine. Other commonly used antibiotics, such as minocycline, have been shown to be toxic to sperm at any concentration. Until further information is available, clinicians must keep in mind that treatment with antibiotics may adversely affect the fertility potential of men. It is possible that some classes of antibiotic agents, such as the penicillins or the quinolones, may have minimal effects on male fertility and maintain the clinical efficacy for patients requiring long-term antibiotic suppressive therapy. Further investigation is needed into the relative toxicity of antibiotics and the mechanisms by which antibiotics affect spermatogenesis and spermatozoal function. A background of the current state of knowledge regarding the adverse effects of antibiotics on male fertility is presented in this review.
Insights
Antibiotics can negatively impact male fertility by affecting sperm production and function. Clinicians should consider these risks, as some antibiotic classes may pose greater threats to male reproductive health than others.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Urology
Background:
- Antibiotics are widely used, but their impact on male fertility is a growing concern.
- Several antibiotic classes, including nitrofurans and sulfasalazine, are linked to human infertility and altered semen parameters.
- Minocycline demonstrates direct toxicity to sperm, highlighting varied risks among antibiotic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current knowledge on adverse effects of antibiotics on male fertility.
- To identify antibiotic classes with documented impacts on spermatogenesis and spermatozoal function.
- To inform clinical practice regarding antibiotic use and male reproductive health.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating antibiotic effects on male reproductive parameters.
- Analysis of documented cases of infertility or semen alterations associated with antibiotic use.
- Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo data on antibiotic-induced sperm toxicity.
Main Results:
- Nitrofurans and sulfasalazine are associated with significant male infertility and semen parameter alterations.
- Minocycline exhibits sperm toxicity at all concentrations.
- Penicillins and quinolones may have minimal effects on male fertility, warranting further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic treatment can adversely affect male fertility potential.
- Further research is crucial to understand the mechanisms and relative toxicity of antibiotics on male reproductive health.
- Clinicians must consider the potential impact of antibiotics on fertility, especially in men requiring long-term therapy.