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Current Pharmaceutical Design

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1381-6128
ISSN (Online): 1873-4286

Is There a Role for PDE5 Inhibitors in the Management of Male Infertility Due to Defects in Testicular or Epididymal Function?

Author(s): F. Dimitriadis, P. Tsounapi, M. Saito, T. Watanabe, A. Sylakos, S. Tsabalas, I. Miyagawa and N. Sofikitis

Volume 15, Issue 30, 2009

Page: [3506 - 3520] Pages: 15

DOI: 10.2174/138161209789207015

Price: $65

Abstract

This review study refers to the possibility to employ PDE5 inhibitors as an adjunct tool for the therapeutic management of male infertility. The literature tends to suggest that PDE5 inhibitors enhance the Leydig cell secretory function and play a role in the regulation of the contractility of the tunica albuginea and the epididymis. In addition, the literature suggests that PDE5 inhibitors increase the prostatic secretory function that results in an improvement in sperm motility in several cases. Some studies additionally demonstrate a role of PDE5 inhibitors in the regulation of sperm capacitation process. Additional placebo-controlled, randomized, blind studies are necessary to unequivocally suggest a therapeutic role of PDE5 inhibitors in the alleviation of semen disorders and male infertility.

Keywords: Spermatozoa, testis, epididymis, phosphodiesterase


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