REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION IN MEN WITH EPILEPSY: STATE OF THE PROBLEM
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/1811-2471.2025.v.i3.15321Keywords:
epilepsy, erectile dysfunction, antiepileptic drugsAbstract
Summary. Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease characterized by a persistent tendency to convulsions, as well as neurobiological, cognitive, psychological and social consequences of their recurrence. The results of recent epidemiological studies indicate that approximately 50% of infertility cases are associated with male factors.
The aim – to analyze data in the published literature on the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) effect on male reproductive function.
Material and Methods. The available information resources of the Internet, foreign professional publications, and the medical database MEDLINE/PubMed over the past 20 years were analyzed. The method of information retrieval and the method of analytical and comparative analysis were used.
Results. According to the studies, 38–71 % of men with epilepsy have sexual dysfunction, and fertility rates are 30–50 % lower than in healthy individuals. In this group, erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia and lack of spontaneous night erection are significantly more often diagnosed. There are two causes of reproductive toxicity in epilepsy: the use of AEDs and the negative impact of the disease. The data from both experimental and clinical studies on the impact of various AEDs (valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levitiraceptam, topiramate, oxycarbazepine) on male reproductive function were analyzed.
Conclusions. Intensity of the AEDs impact on male reproductive function depends on the mechanism of action of the antiepileptic drug, its dose and duration of therapy. There is a disproportion in the number of studies on the effect of certain AEDs. Based on the analysis of experimental and clinical studies, the drugs of lower risk are oxcarbazepine, levetiracetam, and lamotrigine.
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