[Medical treatments and hygiene and dietary measures]

Abstract

The causes of male infertility may be identified, with the possibility of drugs treatment, or they may be idiopathic, for which treatments are at the research stage. The treatments available aim to increase the quantity and quality of spermatozoa produced by increasing their fertilising capacity and protecting their nuclear structure. Hormone treatments - recombinant FSH, purified FSH - give different results depending on whether studies examine semen parameters or fertilisation and pregnancy rates. In the case of non-hormone treatments (folates, zinc, vitamins E or C, selenium, glutathione and carnitine), the data in the literature is also contradictory and there is no clear consensus of opinion. However, the studies make use of highly variable methodologies and many of them are non-randomised. In terms of hygiene and dietary measures, tobacco, alcohol and excess weight have a negative effect on semen parameters and it is relevant to encourage patients to adopt a healthier lifestyle.