Abnormal Semen Quality and Low Serum Testosterone in Men with Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated for a Long Time with Sulfasalazine*

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effects of long-term salazopyrine treatment on male fertility were studied. Seven patients, 21-37 yr old, who were treated for ulcerative colitis with 3 g/day of salazopyrine for more than 6 mo., were examined. All semen samples showed abnormal sperm motility (17% .+-. 9.3) and abnormal morphology (36.3% .+-. 14.4) with the predominance of large-headed spermatozoa. The endocrine picture and pituitary reserve were evaluated by GnRH [gonadotropin releasing hormone] and TRH tests. The basal values of testosterone were lower than normal (> 3 ng/ml) and significantly lower (2.4 .+-. 0.7 ng/ml, P < 0.025) than in the control group (fertile men). LH [luteinizing hormone] was significantly higher (9 .+-. 2 mIU/ml, P < 0.005) but still within the limits of normal. The responses of FSH and LH to GnRH and of PRL [prolactin] to TRH were normal. The mechanisms by which salazopyrine may affect fertility are discussed.