Categories: Mens fertility

Medications that interfere with Male Fertility

Male fertility can be adversely affected through any of 5 basic mechanisms:
  1. Direct toxic effects on the testicles,
  2. Disruption of the pituitary gland and its stimulation of the testicles,
  3. Direct effects on ejaculation and/or erectile function,
  4. Decrease in libido (sex drive)
  5. Blocking the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg
Medications that have a direct toxic effect on the testicles can damage the cells which produce sperm. This can result in lower sperm counts or in severe cases – cause a complete absence of sperm. Damage to the sperm producing cells can be temporary or permanent.
Normally, the pituitary gland, which is located just beneath the brain, will produce hormones that will stimulate the cells in the testicles. These cells will, in turn, produce sperm and produce hormones such as testosterone. The testosterone that is produced, along with some other hormones from the testicles, will regulate the level of stimulation to the testicles.
In some cases, medications may disrupt the connection between the pituitary gland and the testicles and result in inadequate stimulation to the testicles. This can result in lowered sperm counts and abnormal hormone levels.
In order for sperm to be delivered into the female reproductive tract, the male must be able to acheive an erection and subsequently, he must ejaculate. The coordination of these events is very complex and can be disrupted in a number of different ways.
Some medications may act to decrease male sexual interest in intercourse, or libido. Other medications may interfere with the ability of a man to get an erection or ejaculate.
Finally, some medications may affect the sperm directly. For example, a group of medications which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure called calcium channel blockers have been shown in some studies to block the ability of the sperm to fertilize an egg.
Listed below are several categories of medications and their effect on the five areas influencing male fertility. Men should not stop any prescription medication before discussing it first with his prescribing physician.

Recreational drugs

Medication Directly toxic
Affects pituitary axis
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Blocks fertilization
Alcohol + + + +
Cigarettes + +
Marijuana + +
Opiates + +
Cocaine + +

Blood pressure medication

Medication Directly toxic
Affects pituitary axis
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Blocks fertilization
Thiazide diuretics
+
Spironolactone + + +
Beta-blockers + +
Calcium channel blockers
+
Alpha blockers
+
*Spironolactone is an antiandrogen, see next table.
*Alpha blocker: Tamsulosin (flomax)

Hormone medications

Medication
Directly toxic
Affects pituitary axis
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Blocks fertilization
Testosterone + +
Androgen blockers + +
Progesterone derivatives + + +
Estrogens + + +
Anabolic steroids + +

*androgen blockers: finasteride (proscar, propecia), metformin, bromocriptine, spironolactone, dutasteride (avodart)

*Estrogens: found at increasing levels in our environment, particularly plastics.

Must Read: Alternatives to IVF

Psychiatric medications

Medication Directly toxic
Affects pituitary axis
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Blocks fertilization
Anti-psychotics + + +
Tricyclic anti-depressants + + +
MAO Inhibitors +
Phenothiazines +
Lithium + +

Antibiotics

Medication Directly toxic Affects pituitary axis
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Blocks fertilization
Nitrofurantoin + +
Erythromycin +
Tetracycline +
Gentamycin +

Miscellaneous

Medication Directly toxic
Affects pituitary axis
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Blocks fertilization
Cimetidine +
Cyclosporine +
Colchicine +
Allopurinol +
Sulfasalazine + +
Dr Spence Pentland

Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Further demonstrating his commitment to reproductive health, he is a devoted member of IAAC (Infertility Awareness Association), CFAS (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society), and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). As the former president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British Columbia and the provincial BC TCM quality assurance committee, Dr. Pentland is well respected by peers and patients alike. He remains actively involved in educating healthcare colleagues and the public on the powerful benefits of Chinese medicine & acupuncture, working steadily on the integration of ancient Daoist wisdom into modern western life as a way to build awareness about reproductive health. This compassionate expertise is reflected in patient testimonials. When not helping others start their families, Spence can be found spending time with his own--his adoring wife Chantal and their two beautiful sons. “I am very proud to be part of the team of professionals at Yinstill. We are all dedicated to raising the bar in the field of complimentary and alternative reproductive medicine. Nothing is more important than family,” he says. Professional Development Certifications Combining TCM and IVF to Improve Clinical Outcomes - Jane Lyttleton Treating Complex Gynecological Conditions with Evidence-based Acupuncture - Elisabet Stener-Victorin High-Performance Summit - Darren Hardy Acupuncture during Pregnancy: safe and ethical practice - Claudia Citkovitz Treating Irregular Menstrual Bleeding - Sharon Weizenbaum Management of High Risk Pregnancy Conditions - David Bray Physiology & Pathology of Gynecology - Giovanni Maciocia Treatment protocols for Menopause and Endometriosis - Kiiko Matsumoto Chinese medicine approach to the treatment of Poor Ovarian Reserve - Brandon Horn Clinical problems and solutions in Oriental Reproductive medicine - Dr. Daoshing Ni Treatment strategies for PCOS, Weight Loss, & type 2 Diabetes - Sharon Weizenbaum Allergic and Autoimmune diseases - Mazin Al-Khafaji Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth - Debra Betts Treating Infertility with Chinese medicine - Bob Flaws Masters class in Diagnosis - Bob Flaws East meets West in Reproductive medicine - Mike Berkley The Infertility Cure - Chinese wellness program - Randine Lewis Men’s Health and Fertility - Peter Deadman Integrating acupuncture and IVF - Diane Cridennda and Dr. Paul Magarelli Treatment of Infertility with Chinese medicine - Jane Lyttleton Yang School lecture series Part 1 - Dr. Liu Fang Advanced acupuncture in pregnancy - Jean Levesque Certified Western herbalist - Packard School of Nutrition Courageous conversations - Justice Institute Biology of Empowerment - Dr. Lee Pulos Secrets of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis - Bob Flaws and Honora Lee Wolfe View Articles and Blog Posts by Dr. Pentland Read Dr. Pentland's Success Stories Become Spence's friend on facebook

Published by

Recent Posts

  • Nutrition

The Most Viewed Diet Pill Guide In The World Has A Surprise For You in 2021

Dear friend, If you’re struggling to maintain a diet I don't blame you it's been… Read More

  • physique

Top 10 Dumbbell Exercises For A Bigger And Stronger Back

A strong back is an excellent way to prevent pain and injury and will help… Read More

  • Nutrition

PhenGold Review – The New King Of Weight Loss in 2021?

What is this supplement? Who is it made by? In this PhenGold review you are… Read More

  • physique

8 Best Cable Exercises For A Bigger Chest in 2021

If you want to build a bigger chest forget endless bench presses. In this guide… Read More

  • Nutrition

Best Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies (updated for 2021)

Hi nice to see you here :) Apple Cider Gummies were a sensation when they… Read More

  • Nutrition

PhenQ Customer Reviews 2021 (Genuine)

Also see the best guaranteed weight loss pills Read More

NEWS FLASH Read about the new health supplement and fat burner sending shock waves around the world.

Click here to read more