Transient azoospermia following rosuvastatin medication for hypercholesterolemia

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Hypercholesterolemia is a common condition requiring medical management.
• Statins, like rosuvastatin, are widely prescribed for hypercholesterolemia.
• Male infertility is a significant concern, impacting reproductive options.

Observation:

• A male patient with oligoasthenospermia was prescribed rosuvastatin for hypercholesterolemia.
• Transient azoospermia (absence of sperm) was observed during semen and urine analysis during the treatment period.
• No motile spermatozoa were detected in ejaculated samples on the day of follicular aspiration for IVF.

Findings:

• Semen analysis confirmed azoospermia at weeks 3 and 7 of rosuvastatin therapy.
• Spermatozoa reappeared in ejaculated semen within two weeks of drug cessation.
• Sperm count and motility recovered to levels suitable for intracytoplasmic sperm injection by week 16.

Implications:

• Rosuvastatin may transiently impair sperm production and motility.
• This case underscores the importance of monitoring male fertility during statin therapy.
• Further research is warranted to understand the HMGCR inhibitor-spermatozoa interaction and its clinical significance.