Proton-pump inhibitor use does not affect semen quality in subfertile men

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Andrology

Background:

• Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed globally.
• Previous research suggested PPIs may adversely affect semen quality in healthy men.
• The impact of PPIs on semen parameters in men with infertility is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between proton-pump inhibitor use and semen parameters in a large cohort of subfertile men.
• To determine if long-term PPI use negatively affects sperm quality in males experiencing infertility.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of data from 12,257 subfertile men (2003-2013).
• Comparison of 248 PPI users (taking PPIs >3 months) with 7698 controls (no medication).
• Linear mixed-effect regression models were used to analyze semen parameters, adjusting for age.

Main Results:

• Proton-pump inhibitor use was not associated with statistically significant changes in semen parameters.
• This included analyses of PPIs used alone or with other non-spermatotoxic medications.
• No detrimental effects on semen quality were observed in subfertile men using PPIs.

Conclusions:

• Proton-pump inhibitor use is not linked to adverse effects on semen quality in subfertile men.
• This study, the largest of its kind, provides evidence against PPIs negatively impacting male fertility parameters.
• Findings suggest PPIs can be used by subfertile men without significant concern for sperm quality.