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Reversible toxic effect of salicylazosulfapyridine on semen quality

A Toth

    Fertility and Sterility
    |May 1, 1979
    PubMed

    Insights

    Salicylazosulfapyridine treatment for chronic ulcerative colitis can negatively impact male fertility, causing poor semen quality. Stopping the medication often leads to significant semen improvements and restored fertility.

    Area of Science:

    • Reproductive Medicine
    • Gastroenterology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) is an inflammatory bowel disease.
    • Salicylazosulfapyridine is a common treatment for CUC.
    • Medications can impact male reproductive health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effect of salicylazosulfapyridine on semen quality in CUC patients.
    • To determine if observed semen abnormalities are reversible upon drug discontinuation.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of semen parameters (motility, morphology) in six CUC patients undergoing salicylazosulfapyridine treatment.
    • Comparison of semen quality before and after drug cessation in select patients.

    Main Results:

    • Patients exhibited overall poor semen parameters during treatment.
    • Significant abnormalities included reduced sperm motility and altered morphology, with a notable presence of megalo cells (3-8%).
    • Discontinuation of salicylazosulfapyridine led to dramatic semen quality improvement in three patients.

    Conclusions:

    • Salicylazosulfapyridine may exert a reversible toxic effect on male reproductive parameters.
    • Cessation of salicylazosulfapyridine can restore semen quality and fertility in some patients.
    • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of this drug-induced toxicity.

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