The effects of drugs on sperm

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Endocrinology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production, is a complex 70-day cycle in humans.
• Endocrine control, cytotoxic agents, and industrial chemicals can disrupt this process.
• Sperm maturation and motility can be negatively affected by various pharmaceutical and chemical agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of exogenous factors on spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, and motility.
• To evaluate current therapeutic interventions for male infertility.
• To assess the status of male contraceptive development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on factors affecting male reproduction.
• Analysis of drug and chemical effects on germinal epithelium, sperm maturation, and motility.
• Evaluation of clinical outcomes for infertility treatments and male contraceptive trials.

Main Results:

• Hormones, antihormones, psychotropic drugs, cytotoxic agents (e.g., dibromochloropropane), and industrial chemicals can impair spermatogenesis.
• Alpha-chlorohydrin, antiandrogens, sulphasalazine, nonoxynol-9, and propranolol can affect sperm maturation and motility.
• Drug treatment for idiopathic oligozoospermia yields disappointing results, while gonadotrophins are effective for deficiency.
• Current hormonal steroid combinations for male contraception lack sufficient efficacy, and gossypol exhibits significant toxicity.

Conclusions:

• Male reproductive functions are susceptible to a wide range of chemical and pharmaceutical insults.
• Effective treatments for certain male infertility conditions exist, but idiopathic cases remain challenging.
• Development of a safe and effective male contraceptive ('male pill') is still an unmet medical need.