[Semen analysis under photochemotherapy (PUVA-therapy) (author's transl)]

In 9 male patients with psoriasis vulgaris a semen analysis before and during photochemotherapy with 8-methoxypsoralen and UVA (PUVA) was performed to rule out drug-induced toxic damage of spermatogenesis or impairment of fertility due to scrotal hyperthermia. Two hours after oral application of 40--60 mg 8-methoxypsoralen the patients had been irradiated in UVA high intensity treatment units. PUVA-treatments were performed four times weekly until total body clearing was achieved. For complete remission 13--26 (mean 20.5) PUVA-treatments were necessary. Corresponding total UVA-doses were 35.3--191.0 (mean 83.2) Joule/cm2. The investigated parameters total motility, progressive motility, spermatozoa density, total spermatozoa count, spermatozoa morphology, and seminal plasma fructose remained unchanged. Only the volume of the ejaculate showed a small decrease during 3 months of therapy. From this pilot study there is no evidence that PUVA-therapy leads to an impairment of fertility in male patients within their reproductive age.