Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
Altered sexual and reproductive functions in epileptic men taking carbamazepine
Rosana Maria Reis1, Alexandre Gonçalves de Angelo, Américo Ceiki Sakamoto
1Sector of Human Reproduction, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. romareis@fmrp.usp.br
Introduction:
Epileptic men may experience hormonal changes that may alter semen quality and sexual function. Alterations in male sexual and reproductive parameters may also be due to treatment with antiepileptic drugs to control seizures.
Aims:
To evaluate serum hormone concentrations, semen quality, the frequency of sexual intercourse (FSI), and erectile function in men with epileptic seizures controlled by carbamazepine (CBZ).
Main Outcome Measures:
The five-question form of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and semi-structured questionnaire.
Methods:
One hundred and eighteen men, aged 18-45 years, were included in this controlled, cross-sectional study: 63 men taking CBZ (epileptic group) were compared to 55 healthy men (control group). Blood sample was collected to determine hormones concentrations. Erectile function and the frequency of sexual relations were assessed by using questionnaires. Sperm morphology was analyzed by examining the quality of the head, intermediate part and tail of the spermatozoa.
Results:
Using the IIEF-5, we observed a significant association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and groups (P < 0.01), where epileptic men had 17.33 (95% CI 3.59, 83.52) odds to have erectile dysfunction. Adjusted odds ratio to group considering luteinizing hormone, prolactin, Serum total testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione levels and free androgen index, we observed only group effect where epileptic men had 10.47 (95% CI 2.75, 39.83) odds to have FSI < 3 times a week. Sperm vitality was altered in 27% of the epileptic subjects compared with 5.4% of the control group (P < 0.002). Sperm motility differed significantly between groups, with A + B motility ≤50% observed in 98.4% of the epileptic group and in 85.4% of the control group (P < 0.01). Sperm morphology <14% was observed in 93.7% of the epileptic men, compared with 34.6% of the controls (P < 0.001). CBZ users, showed less sexual intercourse then controls (P ≤ 0.001).
Conclusions:
Epileptic men taking CBZ present with changes in hormonal levels, altered semen quality, ED, and a reduction in coital frequency.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Potassium Channel Activators
Ezogabine has gained approval as an adjunctive treatment...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
01:18Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers exert their antiepileptic effects by targeting T-type calcium channels, which are integral to transmitting nerve signals in the central nervous system. These channels allow the passage of calcium ions, which are vital for neuronal communication. By inhibiting T-type calcium channels, calcium channel blockers effectively reduce the release of neurotransmitters and...
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
01:08Antiepileptic Drugs: Sodium Channel Blockers
Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
Among the most commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs are...