Male Infertility A child of my own - Andrology Australia

APPENDICESMEDICINES &OTHER DRUGSWhat medicines and other drugs affectsperm production?There are a number of commonly used medicinesthat may have a negative effect on spermproduction and function.Medicines used in the treatment of cancer aredesigned to attack the multiplying or dividingcells. The cells in the lining of the spermproducingtubes in the testis are continuallymultiplying to produce the new cells neededto make sperm. These cells are thereforeopen to attack during cancer treatment.Cyclophosphamide, a medicine used for thetreatment of some cancers and kidney disorders,can cause permanent infertility if the treatment isgiven for a long time.Salazopyrine, which is used to treat inflammatorybowel disease, causes short term infertility. Thisdrug is often given for ulcerative colitis, Crohn’sdisease or problems following other conditionssuch as rheumatoid arthritis. These healthproblems can often be managed with othermedicines, which allow the man to remain fertile.When salazopyrine is stopped, sperm productionwill usually return to normal after a few months.MALE INFERTILITY 98