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Walker Z, Ernandez J, Lanes A, Srouji SS, Ginsburg E, Kathrins M. The effects of male anxiety and depression on IVF outcomes. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2119-2127. [PMID: 37690112 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What are the effects of male anxiety and depression on IVF outcomes? SUMMARY ANSWER Men with anxiety had lower final total motile sperm counts (fTMSC) during IVF compared to men without anxiety; however, there were no differences in live birth rates (LBRs). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Studies have shown that male anxiety causes low sperm motility, worse sperm morphology, and increased DNA fragmentation, which are known to be influential factors on fertilization rates and embryo quality during IVF. However, data are lacking on whether there is a direct association between male anxiety and/or depression and IVF outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a survey-based, retrospective cohort study completed at a single, large hospital-affiliated fertility center with 222 respondents who underwent IVF with or without ICSI. The study was conducted between 6 September 2018 and 27 December 2022. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Male partners of couples who underwent IVF or IVF/ICSI completed a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. They were separated into two groups for both anxiety (HADS-A ≥ 8 or HADS-A < 8) and depression (HADS-D ≥ 8 or HADS-D < 8). Men with an elevated HADS-A or HADS-D score ≥8 were considered to have anxiety or depression, respectively. The primary outcome was LBR. Secondary outcomes included semen parameters at the time of IVF, cycle outcomes, pregnancy outcomes, and prevalence of erectile dysfunction and low libido. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE There were a total of 222 respondents, of whom 22.5% had a HADS-A ≥ 8 and 6.5% had a HADS-D ≥ 8. The average age of respondents was 37.38 ± 4.90 years old. Antidepressant use was higher in the respondents with a HADS-A or HADS-D ≥ 8 (P < 0.05). Smoking use was similar between groups for both HADS-A and HADS-D (P > 0.05). When adjusted for male BMI, antidepressant use and smoking, men with a HADS-A or HADS-D ≥ 8 had similar rates of erectile dysfunction (adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 1.12 (95% CI 0.60, 2.06)) and low libido (aRR = 1.70 (95% CI 0.91, 3.15)) compared to those with a HADS-A or HADS-D ≤ 8. Men with a HADS-A ≥ 8 were more likely to have a lower fTMSC on the day of oocyte retrieval (11.8 ≥ 8 vs 20.1 < 8, adjusted ß = -0.66 (95% CI -1.22, -0.10)). However, the LBR per embryo transfer (ET) was similar between the HADS-A groups (43.2% ≥8 vs 45.1% <8, adjusted relative risk = 0.90 (95% CI 0.65, 1.06)). Although depression was uncommon in the entire cohort, the HADS-D groups were clinically similar for fTMSC (18.7 ≥ 8 vs 16.0 < 8) and LBR per ET (46.7% ≥8 vs 45.4% <8). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Limitations of our study are the survey-based design, the lack of sperm morphology assessment at the time of IVF, our inability to fully assess the HADS-D ≥ 8 cohort due to the small sample size and the large Caucasian demographic. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Couples undergoing IVF have an increased likelihood of suffering from anxiety and/or depression. There is currently a debate on whether or not men should be treated with antidepressants while attempting to conceive due to potential detrimental effects on sperm quality. Our study shows that, regardless of antidepressant use, couples with men who did or did not report anxiety and/or depression have similar LBRs when undergoing IVF. Therefore, it is important to assess both partners for mental health and to not withhold treatment due to a concern about a potential impact of antidepressants or anxiety/depression on sperm quality. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) There was no funding to report for this study. Z.W. is a contributing author for UptoDate. S.S.S. is on the advisory board for Ferring Pharmaceuticals. E.G. was a medical consultant for Hall-Matson Esq, Teladoc, and CRICO and is a contributing author for UptoDate. The remaining authors have nothing to report. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Walker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John Ernandez
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Urology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrea Lanes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Serene S Srouji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Ginsburg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin Kathrins
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Urology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Ceraolo C, Rubano A, Gabrielsen JS. Obesity and Male Infertility: True, True, and Unrelated? Semin Reprod Med 2023; 41:70-79. [PMID: 38198791 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1777725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
While the prevalence of obesity has rapidly increased worldwide, there has also been a notable decline in semen parameters over the last several decades. While obesity can negatively impact reproductive hormones, many studies have sought a link between rising obesity and decreased male fertility potential. Nonetheless, few data support a direct link between the two. The focus on obesity as a causative factor in male infertility can potentially result in patient harm through delayed fertility treatment and missed diagnoses. This review investigates the associations between obesity and male infertility and why a potential direct link has been elusive and may not exist. Additionally, indirect mechanisms that may link the two will be reviewed and treatment options for obese infertile men presenting for evaluation will briefly be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Ceraolo
- Department of Urology, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - Amanda Rubano
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
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Jamu IM, Okamoto H. Recent advances in understanding adverse effects associated with drugs targeting the serotonin receptor, 5-HT GPCR. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:1012463. [PMID: 36619589 PMCID: PMC9812521 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.1012463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been acknowledged that more women suffer from adverse effects of drugs than men globally. A group of drugs targeting serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine] (5-HT) binding G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been reported to preferentially affect women more than men, causing adverse effects such as breast cancer and infertility. 5-HT GPCR-targeted drugs in the central nervous system (CNS) manage psychiatric conditions, such as depression or bipolar and in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) treat migraines. Physiological characteristics such as specific types of hormones, higher body fat density and smaller body mass in women result in disparities in pharmacodynamics of drugs, thus explaining sex-related differences in the observed adverse effects. In this review, we discuss the side effects of drugs targeting 5-HT GPCRs based on serotonin's roles in the CNS and PNS. We have systematically reviewed adverse effects of drugs targeting 5-HT GPCR using information from the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. Further information on drug side effects and receptor targets was acquired from the SIDER and DrugBank databases, respectively. These drugs bind to 5-HT GPCRs in the CNS, namely the brain, and PNS such as breasts, ovaries and testes, potentially causing side effects within these areas. Oestrogen affects both the biosynthesis of 5-HT and the densities of 5-HT GPCRs in given tissues and cells. 5-HT GPCR-targeting drugs perturb this process. This is likely a reason why women are experiencing more adverse effects than men due to their periodic increase and the relatively high concentrations of oestrogen in women and, thus a greater incidence of the oestrogen-mediated 5-HT system interference. In addition, women have a lower concentration of serotonin relative to men and also have a relatively faster rate of serotonin metabolism which might be contributing to the former. We discuss potential approaches that could mitigate at least some of the adverse effects experienced by women taking the 5-HT GPCR-targeting drugs.
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Reschini M, Buoli M, Facchin F, Limena A, Dallagiovanna C, Bollati V, Somigliana E. Women's quality of sleep and in vitro fertilization success. Sci Rep 2022; 12:17477. [PMID: 36261696 PMCID: PMC9581906 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22534-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) are emotionally challenged. Anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances are common complaints. The impact of these symptoms on IVF outcome is however debated. In this study, we aimed at investigating whether sleep quality and psychological health can affect the chances of success of the procedure. Women undergoing IVF were recruited at the time of oocytes retrieval. Women's sleep quality and psychological health was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Baseline characteristics and results of the three scales were compared between women who did and did not succeed. Overall, 263 women were included, of whom 81 had a clinical pregnancy (31%). As expected, successful women were younger, and their ovarian reserve was more preserved. FPI and HADS scores did not differ. Conversely, a statistically significant difference emerged for the PSQI score, the median [interquartile range] in pregnant and non-pregnant women being 4 [3-5] and 5 [3-7], respectively (p = 0.004). The crude and adjusted OR of pregnancy in women with a PSQI > 5 (indicating impaired sleep quality) was 0.46 (95% CI 0.25-0.86, p = 0.02) and 0.50 (95% CI: 0.26-0.94, p = 0.03), respectively. In conclusion, low sleep quality is common in women scheduled for IVF and could influence the success of the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Reschini
- grid.414818.00000 0004 1757 8749Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Buoli
- grid.414818.00000 0004 1757 8749Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Limena
- grid.414818.00000 0004 1757 8749Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122 Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Dallagiovanna
- grid.414818.00000 0004 1757 8749Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bollati
- grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- grid.414818.00000 0004 1757 8749Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via M. Fanti, 6, 20122 Milan, Italy ,grid.4708.b0000 0004 1757 2822Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Yland JJ, McKinnon CJ, Hatch EE, Eisenberg ML, Nillni YI, Rothman KJ, Wise LA. A Prospective Study of Male Depression, Psychotropic Medication Use, and Fecundability. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221075520. [PMID: 35144505 PMCID: PMC8841933 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221075520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined the associations of male depression and psychotropic medication use with fecundability in a North American preconception cohort study (2013–2020). Men aged ≥21 years completed a baseline questionnaire with questions on history of diagnosed depression, the Major Depression Inventory (MDI), and psychotropic medication use. Pregnancy status was updated via bimonthly female follow-up questionnaires until pregnancy or 12 menstrual cycles, whichever occurred first. Analyses were restricted to 2,398 couples attempting conception for ≤6 menstrual cycles at entry. We fit proportional probabilities models to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for age (male and female), education, (male and female), race/ethnicity, physical activity, alcohol intake, body mass index, smoking, and having previously impregnated a partner. Nearly 12% of participants reported a depression diagnosis; 90.6% had low depressive symptoms (MDI <20), 3.5% had mild symptoms (MDI: 20–24), 2.7% had moderate symptoms (MDI: 25–29), and 3.3% had severe symptoms (MDI: ≥30). A total of 8.8% of participants reported current use of psychotropic medications. History of depression was associated with slightly reduced fecundability, although this result was also reasonably compatible with chance (FR = 0.89; 95% CI: [0.76, 1.04]). FRs for mild, moderate, and severe compared with low depressive symptoms were 0.89 (95% CI: [0.66, 1.21]), 0.90 (95% CI: [0.62, 1.31]), and 0.88 (95% CI: [0.65, 1.20]), respectively. This indicates little evidence of a dose–response relationship for depressive symptoms with fecundability, although estimates were imprecise. Current psychotropic medication use mediated 44% of the association between depressive symptoms and fecundability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Yland
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Craig J McKinnon
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yael I Nillni
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.,National Center for PTSD, Women's Health Sciences Division at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.,RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Massarotti C, Sbragia E, Gazzo I, Stigliani S, Inglese M, Anserini P. Effect of Multiple Sclerosis and Its Treatments on Male Fertility: Cues for Future Research. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10225401. [PMID: 34830684 PMCID: PMC8623707 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10225401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that may lead to different types of symptoms and disabilities. with the better quality of life and decreased disability due to early diagnosis and the availability of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), the treating physician is increasingly asked to counsel patients on its effects on fertility and reproduction. In particular, reproductive issues are still scarcely studied and discussed in men. Among the still open questions are the following: (a) Does multiple sclerosis cause infertility per sè? (b) Is multiple sclerosis correlated with conditions that increase the risk of infertility? (c) Do DMTs or other therapies for multiple sclerosis impact gonadal function in men? The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the available literature data about the reproductive issues unique to men with multiple sclerosis, underlining the numerous areas where evidence is lacking and, therefore, the priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Massarotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16128 Genova, Italy; (C.M.); (I.G.)
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Elvira Sbragia
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16128 Genova, Italy; (E.S.); (M.I.)
| | - Irene Gazzo
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16128 Genova, Italy; (C.M.); (I.G.)
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Stigliani
- Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Matilde Inglese
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research and Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, 16128 Genova, Italy; (E.S.); (M.I.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Anserini
- Physiopathology of Human Reproduction Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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