Reproductive effects of nontesticular illness

Abstract

Diseases in other organs may impair the male reproductive system. Acute critical conditions such as severe trauma, surgery, myocardial infarction, burns, liver failure, intoxication, or starvation are associated with suppression of gonadotropin secretion and secondary hypogonadism. With chronic illnesses, a primary testicular disorder with elevated gonadotropin levels may occur. This may be associated with increased peripheral conversion of androgens to estrogens, resulting in clinical presentation of combined androgen deficiency and estrogen excess. The association of hypogonadism and feminization with cirrhosis of the liver is a classic example. Types of hypogonadism that may occur with chronic anemia, chronic renal failure, chronic spinal cord injury, thyroid diseases, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes mellitus, obesity, HIV infection, neoplasia, and other chronic illnesses are also described. Numerous drugs have side effects on the reproductive system.