Causes of Infertility: Medications

Medications can be one of the top causes of infertility. There are certain substances that will affect both men and women, while some drugs will only affect women or only men. The medications that cause infertility may be prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, herbal or alternative medicine. The medications that cause infertility may cause a hormonal imbalance that will either disturb the normal menstrual cycle or cause vaginal dryness in women (or cause a low sperm count or erectile dysfunction in men).

Cyclophosphamide

Cyclophoshamide, also known as Cytoxan, is a medication administered to cancer patients, but may also be used in autoimmune diseases, being an immune system inhibitor.

The medication can cause fertility issues, as the release of the ovules will be disrupted in women. In men, the drug may cause low sperm count, impaired sperm motility, and there may be cases when the sperm doesn’t develop properly. The cyclophosphamides may also decrease libido.

Charas and Cannabis

Cannabis is a plant that may be used in certain illnesses that cause pain and have no other cure. Glaucoma patients may receive cannabis or marijuana. Charas is a smoked resin that made with cannabis leaves.

All these drugs cause infertility by producing a chemical imbalance that will disrupt the reproductive system as well. Also, the consumption of cannabis may decrease the libido.

Cyproterone Acetate

Cyproterone acetate is a drug that has anti androgen effects. This drug will cause infertility in men by inhibiting the production of male sexual hormones.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may interfere with fertility both in men and women. The chemotherapy drugs kill cells to stop the development of the cancerous cells. However, the drugs will also kill other cells, and this may lead to infertility. In addition, chemotherapy can cause nausea and hair loss, and may also decrease the libido.

Cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, purine or vincristine are just a few drugs that are used in chemotherapy.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a plant that is frequently used in alternative medicine and is believed to be a teratogenic agent, causing birth defects if the pregnant mother is exposed to this herb.

Echinacea may also cause infertility and should be avoided as much as possible during the conception period and during pregnancy.

Methenolone

Methenolone is a steroid that has anabolic effects, but may also interfere with fertility. A similar synthetic steroid is Oxandrolone, which should also be avoided by men and women that are trying to conceive.

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort is an herb that can have several effects on patients. St. John’s wort is believed to be an anti depressive and may also be used to treat viral and bacterial infections. However, the herb may cause vaginal dryness in women and impotence in men, and may also cause a decrease in the libido.

Other Drugs

Other drugs or herbs that may cause infertility include:

  • Endoxan
  • Androcur
  • Neosar
  • Oxandrin
  • Procur
  • Primabolan
  • Temadol
  • Zoladex
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