What effects can drug use have on male reproductive health? Medicines and some substances can affect a man’s reproductive ability. In most cases, these effects are temporary and can be reversed once the drug is stopped. However, this is not always the case and some medications may cause male infertility. And when it comes to taking illicit substances, their effects on physical and mental health can be far-reaching, exposing multiple risks. What substances can affect a man’s reproductive health? Alpha blockers Alpha blockers are used to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. There are several different types of alpha-blockers, and they all affect fertility in different ways. In particular, silodosin and tamsulosin may cause a sharp decrease in ejaculate volume or may completely inhibit (suppress) ejaculation. A consultation with a urologist is necessary to discuss the possible effects of these medications on fertility, as well as other treatment options. Antidepressants Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most common drugs prescribed to treat depression and anxiety, but these drugs can cause sexual dysfunction, especially prolonged time to ejaculation. Fortunately, SSRIs are not the only treatment options for depression and anxiety. If these medications are causing problems, a mental health professional should be consulted about the possibility of using other medications. Chemotherapy drugs Unfortunately, all chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can significantly reduce or stop the production of seminal fluid. Depending on the type of chemotherapy and the length of treatment, sperm production may return within two years, but in many men sperm production never returns, leading to infertility. Therefore, before starting chemotherapy, it is recommended to consult a doctor about freezing seminal fluid (cryopreservation) in advance. Opioids Opioids, which interact with nerve cells to reduce pain, include both illegal substances and prescription drugs to treat pain and addiction. Long-term use of opiates can disrupt the signals that control testosterone production, can lead to lowered testosterone levels and a decrease in both the quantity and quality of semen. The degree of impact of these substances depends on which opiates were taken, what their dose was and how long they were used. Short-term use of opioid analgesics has not been shown to have a negative effect on fertility, such as a short course of opioid treatment for pain after surgery or a broken bone.However, opioids are highly addictive, so a professional consultation is necessary regarding any concerns about their use or past addiction problems. References: 1. National Health Services (NHS). Overview � Antidepressants 2. National Institutes of Mental Health. Mental Health Medications 3. American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy Side Effects 4. National Cancer Institute. Chemotherapy 5. American Addiction Centers. How Long Do Opiates Stay in Your System? 6. MedlinePlus. Safe Opioid Use 7. National Institute on Drug Abuse (US). Opioids