The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on male and female fertility: a brief literature review

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this review was to determine whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) affect the ability to conceive in men and women of reproductive age, as well as to find out whether there are certain differencies between them in terms of effects on fertility.

Methods: Our review was based on systematic search of literature in four online databases: Medline (PubMed), Scopus, Web of Science and SCIndex (Serbian Citation Index).

Results: Several clinical studies reported that SSRIs can decrease the number and viability of sperm, and cause a disruption of their morphological structure. Regarding the effect of these antidepressants on female fertility, some experimental findings suggest that paroxetine and escitalopram may have a negative effect on the ability to conceive due to their stimulatory effect on fallopian tube motility. However, several observational studies favor the use of SSRIs in women with depression/anxiety undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) given their efficiency in suppressing these unpleasant symptoms without a relevant negative impact on IVF outcomes.

Conclusions: SSRIs should be avoided male patients of reproductive age who wish to conceive, while the use of these antidepressants seems to be justified in women with depression or anxiety who have undergone IVF.

Key points

• SSRIs could cause dose and duration-dependent reversible adverse effects on male fertility parameters.

• In depressed or anxious male patients of reproductive age who wish to conceive mirtazapine or bupropion should be used because of their lower potential to cause sexual side effects.

• The results of certain experimental studies indicate that paroxetine and escitalopram may have a negative effect on the fertility of female patients.

• The use of SSRIs in women with depression or anxiety who have undergone IVF seems to be justified, because these psychiatric disorders reduce the likelihood of becoming pregnant.

Keywords:

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• sexual adverse effects
• fertility
• in vitro fertilisation

Acknowledgement

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).