Do antidepressants affect fertility?

Antidepressants can be classified in different ways. Depending on their target mechanism of action, they are mainly based on inhibition of noradrenaline or serotonin reuptake. Due to their specification, they require long-term use. This means that they can permanently affect certain behaviours or reactions of the body.

The action of antidepressants is effective, but it can leave a mark on human health. Psychotropic agents regulate certain mechanisms that can inhibit fertility in both women and men. It has been proven that drugs for depression damage sperm DNA and reduce their mobility. Do all psychotropic drugs destroy sperm and reduce sexual desire?

Antidepressants and fertility - effects

It has been shown that antidepressants significantly increase noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission in the central nervous system. Older antidepressants, which are still on sale, inhibit serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake, which results in increased activity of neurotransmitters on receptors in receptors.

Newer antidepressants are selective uptake inhibitors that act as a serotonin exclusion agent. The type of use depends on the type of disorder and the degree of depression diagnosed. Food products containing thyramine are not recommended for use with psychotropic drugs. It can be found, among others, in red wine, mould cheeses and nuts. These drugs cause interaction, which can lead to dangerous side effects.

Antidepressants and fertility - influence

Taking psychotropic drugs has a great impact on the sexual functions of the human body. Although antidepressants help to maintain mental balance in their intended use, they can cause certain side effects, such as reduced fertility resulting from sperm damage. Impotence and fertility disorders in women are characterized by menstrual cycle disorders. Most often the ovulation process is disturbed. In men, changes occur in the DNA thread, which is unnaturally folded. Although the initial shape and motility of the spermatozoa were normal, the defects were diagnosed in the cell structure. These and other symptoms determine sexual disorders that are difficult to reverse.