Fertility Drugs for Men – Types, Effectiveness & Side Effects

A man’s fertility depends on the quantity and quality of his sperm. If a man’s sperm quantity and quality are low, he won’t be able to impregnate a woman. Around one in every 50 men have fertility problems, mainly concerning a low sperm count, while only one in every 100 men will not be able to produce sperm at all. Men experiencing fertility issues often turn to fertility drugs as a potential solution to enhance their reproductive health. These fertility drugs for men are designed to address various underlying causes of male infertility, offering hope for individuals or couples striving to conceive. But are they safe? Let’s understand the basics about how these male fertility pills work, how well they work, and what kind of side effects they might bring along.

When Should Men Use Fertility Drugs?

It is best to check with a fertility specialist for fertility drugs. After a study of the individual’s health, medical history, and lifestyle, the specialist/ doctor should be able to suggest or prescribe medicines. As of today, only secondary hypogonadism, which is a hormone-related infertility condition that affects around 2% of men, can be treated with infertility drugs. This condition occurs when the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus does not function properly. The hormone changes stand in the way of the production of normal sperm and testosterone (8).

How Do Fertility Medicines Work in Men?

Not all fertility drugs work the same way. Here are a few ways in which male fertility drugs work:

1. Hormone Production Is Stimulated

The pills and injections used to treat infertility contain substances or synthesised hormones that maintain a balanced level of testosterone by increasing or decreasing its production in males.

2. Quality of Sperms Is Improved

When sperms are of inferior quality (Low motility, abnormal morphology), few drugs may improve their quality

3. Blood Sugar Levels Normalise

There are cases where an increase in blood sugar levels can cause infertility in men and women. For those cases, medication can help to keep the blood sugar levels under control to improve fertility and control diabetes

4. Blood Flow Is Stimulated

Poor blood circulation in the genital area can also cause impotence in men, which can be a cause of infertility. Drugs can improve potency.

5. Increased Libido

As fertility medications also contain some properties of aphrodisiac, the sexual drive of the man can improve as well.

Types of Fertility Drugs Available for Men

Fertility pills for men aim to improve sperm quality, quantity, and motility, thereby enhancing the chances of conception. There are several types of fertility drugs available for men, each targeting different aspects of reproductive health.

1. Hormonal-Based Treatment

Hormonal treatments for male fertility, like testosterone replacement therapy or similar drugs, aim to fix hormone imbalances. By doing so, they can boost sperm production and quality (9).

2. Non-Hormonal Based Treatment

Non-hormonal approaches to male infertility focus on improving sperm quality and motility without directly affecting hormone levels. These treatments may include antioxidants, such as vitamin E or coenzyme Q10, which help reduce oxidative stress and protect sperm from damage.

What Are the Different Fertility Medications Available for Men?

The best medicine for male infertility depends on what is causing infertility in the first place. Here’s a list of different fertility medications for men. Any of the following drugs is not recommended for over-the-counter use. We strongly recommend prescribed medicines.

1. Clomiphene Citrate

This non-steroid can boost testosterone in men by increasing the FSH and LH hormone production. Low testosterone levels result in unhealthy sperm, and this naturally leads to infertility. Since this medication boosts testosterone, it helps to promote healthy sperm that will improve fertility (7).

2. Gonadotrophins

Gonadotrophins and LH stimulate the testes and, therefore, are used to boost the production of testosterone and sperm count (2). They are recommended only in case of secondary hypogonadism.

3. Letrozole

Available in the form of pills, Letrozole helps to restore normal testosterone levels in men with obesity-related hypogonadism. It falls under the category of aromatase inhibitors and helps to improve fertility.

4. Bromocriptine

Infertility caused due to hyperprolactinemia can be treated with this dopamine agonist. It stops the release of the prolactin hormone from the pituitary gland. This medication is best for men who have an abnormal sperm count with hyperprolactinemia (10).

5. Antibiotics and Antifungal Treatments

The reproductive system and semen can sometimes get infected by bacteria or fungi. Using antibiotics and medicines to treat fungal infections can be a solution for infertility for some men who have positive semen cultures.

How Long Do Men Have to Take These Medicines?

Every drug does not have the same course period so that the dosage will depend upon the individual’s case. Here are a few to consider:

1. Letrozole

This treatment requires the pill to be taken only once a week. It may need to take 3 to 6 months

2. Bromocriptine

This treatment is used over four weeks on average. It requires an individual to take five to ten milligrams per day.

3. Clomiphene

Usually taken three times during the week, each of the treatment cycles will run a course of three to six months. The drug can be safely taken in low doses over two years to stabilise the hormone levels and improve fertility conditions.

4. Gonadotrophins

The treatment involves the individual taking two or three injections a week. Most of the time, the treatment will only last for six months, but if the individual shows little or no improvement after this, they will need to continue with the treatment for one or two years with the hMG regimen to bring the hormone levels back to normal (4).

What Are the Chances of Conceiving When Using Male Infertility Medicine?

Sometimes, fertility pills can boost the sperm count to up to 15 million per millilitre of semen. Any number below this is considered a case of low sperm count. Hormonal medications can affect your body, so it is always best to consult a doctor for the correct dosage. The chances of these medications working depend on your health condition and the dosage.

What Are the Side Effects of Fertility Drugs in Men?

Every drug is different and will have its own side effects. Some of these are discussed below.

1. Synthetic Testosterone

Some of the problems that synthetic testosterone can lead to are:

• Mood fluctuations
• Liver problems
• Low energy levels
• Enlarged male breasts
• Excessive hair growth
• Acne
• Skin Rashes
• Prolonged erections
• Water retention

2. Clomiphene

Some of the problems that clomiphene can lead to are (1):

• Vision changes
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Weight gain
• Breast enlargement and discomfort
• Changes in libido

3. Gonadotrophins

Some of the side effects that gonadotrophins can lead to are:

• Acne
• Breast enlargement
• The site of injection will be sore
• Infections in the respiratory tract
• Weight gain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Moodswings
• Discomfort in the pelvic area

4. Bromocriptine

Some of the side effects that Bromocriptine can lead to are:

• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Liver problems
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal body movements
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Light Headedness
• Seizures

Tips to Increase Male Fertility Naturally

Male fertility can be affected by environmental, dietary, and lifestyle choices. Here are some ways you can help boost your fertility by incorporating a few changes in your diet and lifestyle:

1. Regular Exercise

Exercising regularly can boost fertility as it helps increase testosterone levels in the body. Men who exercise daily have a better quality of semen and better testosterone levels. Exercising for about 45 minutes every day for at least five days a week and consuming a healthy and balanced diet do a fantastic job of improving fertility.

2. Balanced Diet

Nutrient deficiency prevents sperm production due to impaired hormonal functioning, which can lead to unhealthy and abnormal sperm. Improving your diet to include more balanced meals will allow your body to get the required amounts of nutrition. Fresh vegetables, whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds are great foods to include in your diet to help you get the required nutrients.

3. Nutritional Supplements

Supplements can help improve male fertility by increasing sperm count or motility. Vitamin C and Zinc help increase sperm motility by preventing them from clumping together, allowing them to swim freely; zinc supplements can also help improve sperm count and testosterone levels. The ideal amount of zinc to include in your diet is 100 to 200 mg daily. Some other natural sources of zinc are oysters, turkey, organ meat, wheat germ, legumes, and nuts.

When protein is digested, it produces arginine, which is also needed to produce sperm cells. Arginine is available in foods like fish, poultry, meat, dairy, nuts, and chocolate.

Here are some more nutrients that improve sperm count if taken daily and in the right amounts:

• 2 mg copper
• 100 mcg chromium
• 1000 mcg vitamin B12
• 9 to 12 grams of essential fatty acids
• 200 mcg selenium
• 400 mg of coenzyme Q10

How Can You Prevent Infertility?

Infertility can be prevented in certain ways if it occurs due to factors within the individual’s control. Lifestyle, diet, and health can help avoid infertility. Here are some ways you can prevent infertility:

• Sperm motility and morphology are affected by alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs. They should be avoided entirely if you want to have a baby (3).
• Putting on too much weight can affect the sperm cell’s morphology. Often, overweight or obese males also suffer from conditions like hypertension, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc., which can also complicate their health condition and make them infertile.
• Cycling, using saunas, taking long, hot baths, and wearing tight, confining clothing also raise the testicular temperature, thus affecting fertility (5).
• Stress affects sperm production. Meditation and deep breathing exercises can help you calm down.
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxic agents that can affect the body and cause infertility (6). The compounds found in these chemicals are known to have caused mutation in the human body.
• Radiations that emit from laptops and mobiles also hurt the quantity and quality of sperm. Try to limit the use of these gadgets.
• Plastic can cause hormonal imbalances, and it is always best to avoid storing food in plastic containers.
• Choose the unbleached versions of coffee filters, paper, toilet rolls, and tissues. They contain fewer chemicals, which negatively impact fertility, and are safer for use.
• Chlorinated tap water can also affect male fertility negatively.
• Consume organic food to avoid ingesting any pesticides.
• Synthetic cosmetics and deodorants can also cause hormonal imbalances.
• Avoid animal products that have too much fat in them.
• Fried foods, barbequed, and charcoal-broiled cooking techniques can harm fertility.

FAQs

1. Are there any lifestyle changes or complementary therapies that can enhance the effectiveness of fertility drugs for men?

Alongside fertility drugs, adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to improved fertility outcomes. This may include maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress. Some complementary therapies, such as acupuncture or herbal supplements, may also be considered in consultation with a healthcare provider.

2. Do fertility drugs for men have any impact on sperm DNA integrity?

Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for successful conception and healthy embryo development. Research suggests that certain fertility drugs, particularly antioxidants, may help reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm DNA integrity.

3. Can fertility drugs for men be used in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI)?

Infertility drugs for male are often used in combination with ART procedures to optimise outcomes. For example, medications that enhance sperm production and quality may be prescribed before sperm retrieval for IVF or used to prepare for IUI. Combining fertility drugs with ART can increase the chances of successful conception, especially in cases of severe male infertility.

Fertility drugs for men offer promising avenues for addressing various forms of male infertility, from hormonal imbalances to sperm production issues. While they can significantly improve the chances of conception for couples struggling with fertility challenges, it’s crucial to approach their use under the guidance of qualified medical professionals.

References/Resources:

1. MALE FERTILITY DRUGS; University of Utah Health; https://healthcare.utah.edu/fertility/treatments/male-fertility-drugs#

2. Dabaja. A. A, Schlegel. P. N; Medical treatment of male infertility; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4708300/

3. How to improve male fertility; Tommy’s; https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/planning-a-pregnancy/are-you-ready-to-conceive/how-improve-male-fertility

4. Rajkanna. J, Tariq. S, Oyibo. S. O; Successful fertility treatment with gonadotrophin therapy for male hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4722247/

5. Low sperm count; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-sperm-count/

6. Infertility in Men; UCSF HEALTH; https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/infertility-in-men

7. Willets. A. E, Corbo. J. M, Brown. J. N; Clomiphene for the treatment of male infertility; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23202725/

8. Kumar. P, Kumar. N, Thakur. D. S, Patidar. A; Male hypogonadism: Symptoms and treatment; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3255409/

9. Male Infertility; The Johns Hopkins University; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/male-infertility

10. Ozery. M, Wadhwa. R; Bromocriptine; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555948/#

Also Read:

Effective Fertility Foods for Men
Fertility Treatments Options for Men
Vitamins and Minerals to Boost Fertility
Male Fertility Tests – How to Check Male fertility?
How to Increase Sperm Count Naturally By Doing Yoga?
Home Remedies to Increase Fertility in Men and Women

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