A narrative review of effect of medicine on quality and quantity of sperm

Background: Fertility and increasing population are one of the major concerns in many countries. The aim of this study was to review whether medicine can affect quality and quantity of sperms.Methods: This study was a review of the scientific data bases, through Search in websites, books and other authoritative scientific sources.Result: Clofibric acid is prescribed as an antilipemic agent in cardiovascular patients and can lead to reduced sperm motility and decreased androgens in plasma. Ethambutol is effective in treating tuberculosis and can cause reduction of weight of testicles and number of sperms. Also, there were sperms with head anomalies and immature chromatin. Phenylhydrazine has been used clinically to treat polycythemia vera and can reduce sperm quality. In some studies, it was shown that the administration of vitamin C and royal jelly reduces side effects of this medicine. L-carnitine with oxidation of fatty acid provides an energy source for sperms. Also, this medicine protects sperm cell membranes from damage by free radicals of oxygen and generally increases the number and motility of sperms. Cyclophosphamide leads to reduction in the number of live sperms and increase in the abnormalities of sperms caused reduced fertility that ginseng or vitamin E can alleviate these complications.Conclusion: As the medicines have therapeutic effect, they have side effects. Therefore, all aspects should be investigated properly so that there is the least harm to the patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Infertility ، Sperm ، Spermatogenesis ، Medicine