Male infertility and the present status of its management by drugs

• Main Authors: Mathur V, Murdia A, Hakim A, Suhalka M, Shaktawat G, Kothari L
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 1979-01-01
• Series: Journal of Postgraduate Medicine
• Online Access: http://www.jpgmonline.com/article.asp?issn=0022-3859;year=1979;volume=25;issue=2;spage=90;epage=96;aulast=Mathur
• ISSN: 0022-3859; 0972-2823

Infertility is a common problem and in about 40% of childless couples the husband may also need treatment, alone or alongwith the wife. ln India, however, not much attention has been paid to problems of male fertility and traditionally it is the wife who is primarily held at faith. A proper evaluation of every individual patient and exclusion of surgical conditions like varicocele or obstruction are necessary before starting any drug treatment. No stereotyped regime can succeed for each and every case. Andro-gens, gonadotropins, vitamins A & E, antibiotics and anti-inflam-matory agents are well established modes of therapy, but the dose-schedule has to be carefully determined. Some newer androgens (mesterolone and fIuoxymesterone) can be given orally and are very effective in directly stimulating spermatogenesis. Indigenous drugs (Speman) can be of considerable help in properly selected cases. The hypothalamic releasing factors (GH-RH), Bromocrip-tine etc. are still on trial but hold-promise for the future. Thyroid, anti-estrogens (Clomiphen), corticosteroids, arginine and vitamin B₁₂ are of doubtful value only. Excessive smoking and alcohol ought to be discouraged. Since the beneficial effect of treatment could be only short lived, it is essential that the wife′s fertility is simultaneously assured.