Clinical review of the present data on the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on male fertility was the objective of the study. PubMed and Scopus were searched for publications in English or Danish and reviewed.
Human trials, animal studies and in vitro studies were included. Use of SSRIs negatively affects semen parameters in most studies. In some studies, SSRIs are also shown to reduce DNA integrity. SSRIs can also delay ejaculation. Depression and anxiety can cause reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation as well. The use of SSRIs seems to reduce male fertility by affecting semen parameters, although most studies have a degree of confounding by indication caused by the underlying depression.
Andrology. 2016 Mar 28 [Epub ahead of print]
L Nørr, B Bennedsen, J Fedder, E R Larsen
Department of Affective Disorders Q, Mood Disorders Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark., Department of Affective Disorders Q, Clinic for OCD and Anxiety Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark., Centre of Andrology, Fertility Clinic, Department D, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark., Department of Affective Disorders Q, Mood Disorders Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark.