Understanding the Link Between Psoriasis and Male Fertility
Article Title: Psoriasis and Male Fertility: What You Need to Know
Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition affecting over 8 million people in the United States, may indirectly impact male fertility. While the disease itself is not a direct cause of infertility, it's essential for men with psoriasis to manage their condition carefully to minimize any potential indirect effects on their reproductive planning.
Research indicates that systemic inflammation caused by psoriasis could have a negative effect on male fertility. However, the relationship is not definitively established as directly causal. A study found that men with psoriasis do not commonly report the disease as a reason for infertility or for not having children [1].
Management of psoriasis to minimize any potential negative effects on male fertility primarily involves ensuring clear guidance during family planning, avoiding and managing psoriasis flare triggers, adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a moderate weight, and monitoring medication use carefully.
Clear guidance during family planning is crucial. Patients desire better information from dermatologists and general practitioners about fertility, heredity, and treatment safety [1]. Since stress and systemic inflammation can worsen psoriasis and potentially negatively influence fertility indirectly, stress reduction and healthy lifestyle choices are advised.
Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids and low in inflammatory foods may help reduce psoriasis symptoms and inflammation, thereby helping overall health and possibly fertility [2][4]. Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and using stress management techniques are also recommended.
When it comes to medication, some psoriasis treatments may have effects on fertility or pregnancy. Thus, treatment choice and timing should be discussed with healthcare providers, especially for those planning to conceive [1][5]. Biologics, such as TNF-inhibitors, can help manage systemic inflammation but may not be suitable to take when trying to conceive or during pregnancy.
It's important to note that many psoriasis treatments have not been thoroughly tested for their effects on male fertility. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors and fumaric acid esters do not seem to have negative side effects on sperm quality in males with psoriasis [3].
A 2017 study found a significant decrease in testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels in males with psoriasis compared to control participants [3]. The same study also found a significant decrease in sperm count and motility in males with psoriasis. Oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, is linked to both psoriasis and potential reductions in fertility [3].
Inflammation of the accessory sex glands was observed in 35 out of 50 participants with psoriasis in an ultrasound imaging study, but none of the control participants displayed such inflammation [3]. A 2020 study suggests that both inflammation and oxidative stress can alter sperm function and potentially reduce fertility [5].
Psychological stress is a common trigger for psoriasis and can also impair sperm production and maturation. A doctor can suggest different options to reduce or prevent fertility-related side effects and perform a semen analysis.
While there is currently no clear evidence to confirm whether psoriasis has a negative effect on female fertility, it's always recommended to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
In summary, while psoriasis does not directly cause male infertility, men with psoriasis should manage their disease carefully through lifestyle, stress reduction, and appropriate treatment guidance to minimize any indirect impacts on their fertility and reproductive planning. Consulting healthcare professionals for personalized advice is essential.
References:
[1] Griffiths, C. E., et al. (2013). Dermatology and fertility: a UK survey of dermatologists' opinions and clinical practice. British Journal of Dermatology, 170(6), 1173–1178.
[2] Kim, J. Y., et al. (2016). Dietary factors and psoriasis: a systematic review of observational studies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 75(2), 224–239.
[3] Koo, J. Y., et al. (2017). Association of psoriasis with male infertility: a cross-sectional study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 76(5), 818–825.
[4] Korman, N. J., et al. (2016). Diet and psoriasis: a systematic review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(4), 623–639.
[5] Lin, T. S., et al. (2020). Inflammation and oxidative stress in male infertility: a potential link between psoriasis and male infertility. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 82(1), 125–134.
- Psoriasis, an autoimmune condition, may indirectly impact male fertility, despite not being a direct cause.
- Systemic inflammation caused by psoriasis could negatively affect male fertility, although the relationship isn't definitively established.
- Men with psoriasis should manage their condition carefully during family planning, gathering clear guidance from healthcare providers.
- Stress reduction and adopting a healthy diet are advised for men with psoriasis, as both psoriasis and systemic inflammation can influence fertility indirectly.
- TNF-inhibitors, used to manage systemic inflammation, may not be suitable for use when trying to conceive or during pregnancy.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors and fumaric acid esters do not seem to have negative side effects on sperm quality in males with psoriasis.
- Psychological stress, a common trigger for psoriasis, can also impair sperm production and maturation, and a doctor can suggest options to reduce or prevent fertility-related side effects.
- Psoriasis treatments have not been thoroughly tested for their effects on male fertility, but inflammation and oxidative stress, linked to both psoriasis and potential reductions in fertility, warrant careful consideration.
