Testicular germ cell tumors after clomiphene therapy for subfertility

The stimulatory effect of low doses of clomiphene citrate on the human male gonad is accepted widely. We used 25 mg. clomiphene daily for 3 weeks, with 1 week of rest, for 6 to 12 months in 650 oligospermic men without increased serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (less than 20 IU/l.). Unilateral testicular neoplasm developed in 2 subjects. Although a definite cause-and-effect relationship between treatment and tumor development cannot be assigned the possible risk of tumor development in men undergoing long-term clomiphene treatment is suggested. Since clomiphene administration or gonadotropin treatment might enhance tumor development in men, patients at risk undergoing such therapy should be examined frequently and when a testicle enlarges a malignant tumor must be ruled out.