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Escitalopram treatment for premature ejaculation has a negative effect on semen parameters
H Koyuncu1, E C Serefoglu, E Yencilek
1Department of Urology, Yeditepe University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey. hakan.koyuncu@yeditepe.edu.tr
International Journal of Impotence Research
|July 22, 2011
Summary
Long-term escitalopram treatment for premature ejaculation (PE) improved ejaculatory latency and reduced diagnostic tool scores. However, it significantly decreased sperm concentration, motility, and morphology.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual dysfunction.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used to manage PE.
- The impact of long-term SSRI use on male fertility parameters requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of long-term escitalopram treatment on semen parameters in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation (PE).
Main Methods:
- 25 patients with lifelong PE were treated with 10 mg of escitalopram daily for 12 weeks.
- Intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) scores, and semen analyses were assessed at baseline and after 1 and 3 months.
- Statistical comparisons were made between baseline and post-treatment measures.
Main Results:
- A significant increase in mean IELTs and a significant decrease in PEDT scores were observed after 3 months of treatment.
- A significant decrease in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology was noted compared to baseline semen measures.
- Escitalopram treatment negatively impacts semen parameters in patients with lifelong PE.
Conclusions:
- Long-term escitalopram treatment for PE leads to adverse effects on sperm parameters.
- Fertility considerations should be discussed with patients desiring conception.
- Further research is needed to explore similar effects with other SSRIs and their underlying mechanisms.
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