# Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Effects on male fertility

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how antidepressants called SSRIs may negatively affect male fertility by impacting sperm production and quality.

## Contribution

A systematic review of literature reveals potential adverse effects of SSRIs on male fertility parameters.

## Key findings

- SSRIs may decrease serum testosterone levels and reduce sperm production.
- Sperm reserves in the epididymis are reduced, and sperm transit time increases.
- More clinical trials are needed to understand the mechanisms of these effects.

## Abstract

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are the most prescribed class of
medications in cases of depression. This article discusses the main findings on
their effects on male fertility, considering semen parameters and sperm
function. This systematic review of the literature delves into the adverse
effects of the main SSRIs on male fertility. The software package PRISMA was
used to organize the search using keywords related to the research question. The
search yielded a total of 125 studies. After the abstracts were read, 18
articles were selected for further analysis. The review ultimately included ten
articles about the adverse effects of this class of antidepressants on male
fertility, which included decreases in serum testosterone levels, reduced sperm
production, decreased sperm reserves in the epididymis, and increased sperm
transit time in the tail of the epididymis. The articles included in this review
indicated that this class of antidepressants may have adverse effects on male
fertility. However, a randomized clinical trial is needed to evaluate the
mechanisms of spermatogenic failure and the underlying causes of these
effects.