Untreated Psoriasis Impairs Male Fertility: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Dermatology
• Inflammation Research

Background:

• Systemic inflammation is increasingly linked to impaired fertility.
• Limited data exists on the fertility of males with psoriasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the gonadal function in males diagnosed with psoriasis.
• To enhance understanding of fertility in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Enrolled 50 psoriatic males and 50 healthy controls (aged 18-55).
• Conducted physical, andrological, semen, microbiological, and ultrasound examinations.
• Assessed seminal soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and serum hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, SHBG, LH, FSH).

Main Results:

• Psoriatic males showed decreased testosterone and SHBG, and increased estradiol levels.
• Significantly reduced sperm count, motility, and normal morphology were observed in psoriatic patients.
• Elevated suPAR levels and ultrasound evidence of accessory gland inflammation were noted in psoriatic males.

Conclusions:

• Untreated psoriasis may impair male fertility.
• Systemic inflammation in psoriasis appears to negatively affect hormonal profiles and sexual accessory glands.