THE INFLUENCE OF PDE5 INHIBITORS ON STANDARD PARAMETERS OF SEMEN ANALYSIS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL MANAGEMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY

Several studies have tended to suggest that PDE5―i may have a beneficial effect in the therapeutic management of some disorders of semen parameters. Furthermore, PDE5―i may promote the sperm capacitation process. In addition PDE5―i, which affects the contractility of the tunica albuginea and the epididymis may affect sperm transfer through the male reproductive tract. Moreover, recent clinical trials have suggested a positive effect of PDE5―i in both Leydig cell and Sertoli cell secretory functions, thereby improving the biochemical microenvironment within the seminiferous tubuli in men with abnormal sperm parameters. Without doubt, additional studies are essential to suggest unequivocally a therapeutic role of PDE5―i in the management of defects in testicular or epididymal function.