Male accessory gland infection and sperm parameters (review)

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Urology
• Andrology

Background:

• Male accessory gland infection (MAGI) encompasses prostatitis, prostate-vesiculitis, and prostate-vesiculo-epididymitis.
• These conditions are common, chronic, and can spread unpredictably within the reproductive tract.
• MAGI is recognized as a significant factor negatively impacting male reproductive function and fertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms by which male accessory gland infections (MAGI) impair sperm parameters.
• To elucidate the impact of inflammatory responses within the reproductive tract on male fertility.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current understanding of MAGI and its effects on male reproductive health.
• Analysis of inflammatory processes and their impact on sperm parameters and seminal plasma.
• Examination of mechanisms including altered secretory function, impaired spermatogenesis, and seminal tract obstruction.

Main Results:

• Inflammatory components in MAGI can deteriorate conventional and non-conventional sperm parameters.
• Mechanisms include reduced antioxidant properties of seminal plasma due to altered secretory function of accessory glands.
• Deterioration of spermatogenesis and sub-obstruction of the seminal tract also contribute to fertility impairment.

Conclusions:

• Male accessory gland infections significantly compromise male fertility through multifaceted inflammatory pathways.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for diagnosing and managing male infertility associated with MAGI.
• Targeting inflammatory responses may offer therapeutic strategies for improving reproductive outcomes in affected males.