Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Effects on male fertility

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are the most prescribed class of medications in cases of depression. This article discusses the main findings on their effects on male fertility, considering semen parameters and sperm function. This systematic review of the literature delves into the adverse effects of the main SSRIs on male fertility. The software package PRISMA was used to organize the search using keywords related to the research question. The search yielded a total of 125 studies. After the abstracts were read, 18 articles were selected for further analysis. The review ultimately included ten articles about the adverse effects of this class of antidepressants on male fertility, which included decreases in serum testosterone levels, reduced sperm production, decreased sperm reserves in the epididymis, and increased sperm transit time in the tail of the epididymis. The articles included in this review indicated that this class of antidepressants may have adverse effects on male fertility. However, a randomized clinical trial is needed to evaluate the mechanisms of spermatogenic failure and the underlying causes of these effects.