Reversible Infertility Associated with Testosterone Therapy for Symptomatic Hypogonadism in Infertile Couple.
10.3349/ymj.2013.54.3.702
- Author:
Jeong Kyoon BANG
1
;
Jung Jin LIM
;
Jin CHOI
;
Hyung Jae WON
;
Tae Ki YOON
;
Jae Yup HONG
;
Dong Soo PARK
;
Seung Hun SONG
Author Information
1. Department of Urology, CHA Gangnam Medical Center, CHA University, Seoul, Korea. shsong02@cha.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Androgen;
male infertility;
hypogonadism
- MeSH:
Adult;
Androgens/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*therapeutic use;
Azoospermia/*drug therapy;
Erectile Dysfunction/drug therapy;
Humans;
Hypogonadism/*drug therapy;
Infertility, Male/*chemically induced/drug therapy;
Male;
Oligospermia/*drug therapy;
Testosterone/administration & dosage/adverse effects/*analogs & derivatives/therapeutic use
- From:Yonsei Medical Journal
2013;54(3):702-706
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Androgen replacement therapy has been shown to be safe and effective for most patients with testosterone deficiency. Male partners of infertile couples often report significantly poorer sexual activity and complain androgen deficiency symptoms. We report herein an adverse effect on fertility caused by misusage of androgen replacement therapy in infertile men with hypogonadal symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 8 male patients referred from a local clinic for azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia between January 2008 and July 2011. After detailed evaluation at our andrology clinic, all patients were diagnosed with iatrogenic hypogonadism associated with external androgen replacement. We evaluated changes in semen parameters and serum hormone level, and fertility status. RESULTS: All patients had received multiple testosterone undecanoate (NebidoR) injections at local clinic due to androgen deficiency symptoms combined with lower serum testosterone level. The median duration of androgen replacement therapy prior to the development of azoospermia was 8 months (range: 4-12 months). After withdrawal of androgen therapy, sperm concentration and serum follicle-stimulating hormone level returned to normal range at a median 8.5 months (range: 7-10 months). CONCLUSION: Misusage of external androgen replacement therapy in infertile men with poor sexual function can cause temporary spermatogenic dysfunction, thus aggravating infertility.
