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On Citalopram 30mg. Planning For Baby. Does This Medicine Have Any Effect On Sperm Count?
Question: Hi, my husband is a 33 year old male and he's been on Citalopram 30mg for approx 1 year now. He is due to be weaned off them soon, as he seems good in himself now, but we are wanting to try for a baby in the next few weeks and I've been reading conflicting stories on the internet about sperm count etc. Does this medicine affect sperm count? and also, can it have any effect on the baby should my wife get pregnant?
I would also like to know if cortisone steroid injections are detrimental in anyway to conceiving, or to the baby? My husband is due to have one in his knee in the next 2 weeks but will obviously forego this if it is not recommended. Many thanks for your help.
I would also like to know if cortisone steroid injections are detrimental in anyway to conceiving, or to the baby? My husband is due to have one in his knee in the next 2 weeks but will obviously forego this if it is not recommended. Many thanks for your help.
Dear XXXXXX
Its has been shown in case reports that Selective Serotinin Reuptake Inhibitors such as Citalopram do have effect on male fertility. They lead to delayed ejaculation, reduced sperm motility and eventually reduced sperm concentration.
Infact, many patints on Citalopram caome with complains infectilit.
However, most of the cases have shown that such an effect is not absolute and is also reversible. This means, not that the sperms completely disapear. They are present but at reduced concentration. Also, one you stop the medicine, there is incrase in the sperm counts and motility within 4-6 weeks.
So be reassured as your husband is planning to wean off the medication. There will be no effect on the baby and mother once you conceive.
Also, the intaarticular cortisone steroid injection into the knee joint will not have any effect of the ability to conceive. So there should not be any concern with respect to this.
Hoep this answers your query.
Please get back if you need any further information.
Dr Kiran
Its has been shown in case reports that Selective Serotinin Reuptake Inhibitors such as Citalopram do have effect on male fertility. They lead to delayed ejaculation, reduced sperm motility and eventually reduced sperm concentration.
Infact, many patints on Citalopram caome with complains infectilit.
However, most of the cases have shown that such an effect is not absolute and is also reversible. This means, not that the sperms completely disapear. They are present but at reduced concentration. Also, one you stop the medicine, there is incrase in the sperm counts and motility within 4-6 weeks.
So be reassured as your husband is planning to wean off the medication. There will be no effect on the baby and mother once you conceive.
Also, the intaarticular cortisone steroid injection into the knee joint will not have any effect of the ability to conceive. So there should not be any concern with respect to this.
Hoep this answers your query.
Please get back if you need any further information.
Dr Kiran
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi, thank you for your answer. Does this reduction in sperm concentration / motility etc happen in all cases, and does it also depend on the length of time on the medication, and the dose? My husband has been on the tablets now for around 18 months.
I am just concerned that it may take a long time to conceive while he is on the medication, but I also know you have to be very careful when weaning off this drug, so we would not be able to do this quickly.
Many thanks.
I am just concerned that it may take a long time to conceive while he is on the medication, but I also know you have to be very careful when weaning off this drug, so we would not be able to do this quickly.
Many thanks.
Dear XXXXXX
I understand your concerns.
Well, the reduction of sperm counts does occur in majlrity who take it. Can't say in 100 % as there is not much data to back. The reports are in form of case reports which in medical literature are weak sources of evidence.
Most reports were in patients who were on the drug for nearly 5 years. So that may be quite reassuring for you.
There is no real data to show the relationship with drug dosage. However logic says that higher dosage will have more adverse effects.
I know it will take time for you to wean the drug. However, as you start weaning, the effect on the sperms would also abate.
It is also likely that you might conceive inspite of him being on drug as the effect of the drug on sperm is not absolute.
My best wishes are with you.
Regards,
Dr Kiran
I understand your concerns.
Well, the reduction of sperm counts does occur in majlrity who take it. Can't say in 100 % as there is not much data to back. The reports are in form of case reports which in medical literature are weak sources of evidence.
Most reports were in patients who were on the drug for nearly 5 years. So that may be quite reassuring for you.
There is no real data to show the relationship with drug dosage. However logic says that higher dosage will have more adverse effects.
I know it will take time for you to wean the drug. However, as you start weaning, the effect on the sperms would also abate.
It is also likely that you might conceive inspite of him being on drug as the effect of the drug on sperm is not absolute.
My best wishes are with you.
Regards,
Dr Kiran
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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