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Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
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The effect of statins on semen parameters in patients with hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review

Panagiotis Anagnostis1, Dimitrios Papanikolaou2, Pinelopi G Ioannidou3

  • 1Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.

Andrology
|May 17, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Statins, commonly used for high cholesterol, do not appear to negatively impact semen parameters like volume or sperm concentration. While effects on motility and morphology varied, no consistent detrimental effects were observed.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Endocrinology
  • Pharmacology
  • Men's Health

Background:

  • Statins are primary treatments for hypercholesterolemia.
  • The impact of statins on male reproductive health, specifically semen parameters, remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review existing evidence on statins' effects on ejaculate volume and sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality.
  • To assess the safety of statin therapy concerning male fertility.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus databases.
  • Included studies were randomized-controlled trials or prospective cohorts of males with hypercholesterolemia.
  • Data extraction focused on semen parameters and statin type/dosage (pravastatin, simvastatin).

Main Results:

  • Four studies involving 161 participants were analyzed.
  • No significant effects of statins were observed on ejaculate volume or sperm concentration.
  • Sperm motility showed mixed results (increase, decrease, or no change), and morphology showed either a decrease or no change.
  • Sperm vitality decreased in one study using simvastatin.

Conclusions:

  • This is the first systematic review examining statins' effects on semen parameters.
  • Current evidence does not indicate a detrimental effect of statins on male reproductive function.
  • No specific interventions are currently recommended to preserve fertility in men undergoing statin therapy.
Abstract

Keywords:
semenspermatozoastatinssystematic review

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