According to Master, Doctor Tran Ngoc Ha Giang from the Department of Reproductive Support, Tam Anh General Hospital - District 8, fertility depends on many factors, including ovulation, egg quality, sperm quality, hormone levels, and endometrial quality. Beyond genetic causes, age-related decline, and disease impacts, these factors can be affected by the use of certain medications, leading to reduced fertility and an increased risk of infertility in both men and women. Doctor Giang advises couples planning to have children to be mindful when using the following types of medications.

Exogenous hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, and medications for androgen (male hormone) disorders can suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, stopping sperm production and reducing libido in men. Women who use these drugs long-term may experience menstrual cycle disturbances, inhibited ovulation, hormonal imbalances (increased androgens, acne, hirsutism), and reduced chances of conception. Typically, reproductive function can recover a few months after discontinuing the medication, but it requires time and hormone monitoring.

Chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment can destroy rapidly dividing cells, including germ cells and egg follicles, leading to reduced fertility in both sexes. Doctor Giang notes that depending on the dosage and duration of treatment, these medications can impact reproductive function. In men, they may cause temporary or permanent azoospermia; in women, they can lead to premature ovarian failure. Therefore, before cancer treatment, patients should discuss fertility preservation methods, such as egg or sperm cryopreservation, with their doctor.

IVF Tam Anh TP HCM embryologists performing egg/sperm/embryo cryopreservation. Photo: Hoai Thuong

IVF Tam Anh TP HCM embryologists performing egg/sperm/embryo cryopreservation. Photo: Hoai Thuong

Some cardiovascular and blood pressure medications, which have diuretic effects, can also impact fertility. In men, these drugs may cause erectile dysfunction and retrograde ejaculation. In women, they can reduce blood flow to reproductive organs, affecting pleasure and decreasing the chances of conception.

Medications for stress and anxiety often affect prolactin hormones and the central nervous system, causing libido disturbances, delayed ejaculation, and reduced sperm quality in men. Women using these types of medications may experience inhibited ovulation, reduced libido, and menstrual disorders.

Certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain relievers, when used at high doses and for extended periods, can temporarily inhibit ovulation in women, affect the vaginal microbiome, cause pH imbalance, and reduce the chances of conception. In men, these drugs may have side effects such as reduced sperm count and motility.

According to Doctor Giang, most patients typically recover a few months after stopping these medications. However, couples planning to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment should be aware. Individuals currently treating cardiovascular, neurological, or endocrine conditions should not discontinue their medication without medical advice, as this could be dangerous. Couples should discuss their plans to have children with their doctor if they are on long-term medication. Patients should undergo regular check-ups, menstrual cycle monitoring, hormone level assessments, and semen analyses to detect any abnormalities early. If necessary, egg, sperm, or embryo cryopreservation should be considered before starting medication to preserve fertility.

Hoai Thuong