What effect can drugs have on male infertility?
Some of the drugs – both clinical and narcotic – have an adverse impact on male infertility. If someone is on therapeutic drugs for long term ailments and wishes to have children they must discuss the implications with a fertility expert. This is also applicable for nutritional supplements that one must be using. Narcotic substances, alcohol, smoking, marijuana etc., all have a highly negative impact on the sexual well-being and fertility of an individual.

Which drugs can affect male infertility?

Testosterone

Testosterone replacement therapy has a very strong impact on the production of sperm, thereby affecting fertility. This is because the drugs that stimulate testosterone production also block the production of sperm cells. If the individual stops the intake of drugs, it usually takes around 12-18 months for the natural production of the sperm to begin.

Anabolic Steroids

These are also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids and are often used by both competitive and non-competitive athletes to build body mass while reducing fat. These anabolic steroids are known to have an adverse impact on male fertility as these drugs interfere with the natural production of sperm and thereby reduce the chances of fertility.

Opiates

Opiates are a class of drugs that treat pain and addiction. The long term use and abuse of opiates can alter the body’s ability to regulate testosterone production. The continued use can lead to decreased testosterone and reduced production of sperm. While the exact impact is based on the actual opiates being used, there is near unanimity that the regular use of these drugs causes male pattern infertility.

Alpha-blockers

Alpha-blockers are routinely used drugs for urinary ailments and for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. Some of the medicines will decrease the volume of the ejaculate, while others may stop ejaculation altogether. Some of the drugs induce sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction as well.