Effect of methotrexate on male fertility

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Effect of methotrexate on male fertility

To date, there are no reports of adverse pregnancy outcomes among men

exposed to methotrexate before conception. Opinions in the literature differ

on the effects of methotrexate on male fertility. Several case reports and

studies report no effect; others report reversible sterility. One limitation

to several of these studies is the concurrent administration of other

chemotherapeutic agents. Small studies reporting on methotrexate use with no

other agents suggest no increased infertility. Motherisk is currently

following men who are taking methotrexate alone for psoriatic arthritis to

see whether it affects fertility.

http://www.cfpc.ca/cfp/2003/May/vol49-may-clinical-1.asp

Methotrexate may lower the sperm count in men. The sperm count should

normalize with drug discontinuation. There is little information available

regarding the risk of birth defects from a father taking methotrexate at the

time of conception. However, it is recommended that males discontinue

methotrexate three months prior to attempting conception.

http://www.orthop.washington.edu/arthritis/medications/methotrexate/print