Pentoxifylline in idiopathic male-factor infertility: a review of its therapeutic efficacy after oral administration

Abstract

Since the use of pentoxifylline has received much recent attention for its role in the treatment of male-factor infertility by in-vitro fertilization, there is now an increasing interest in its oral use. Therefore, results reported in the literature on the treatment of idiopathic male-factor infertility by oral administration of pentoxifylline were summarized and reviewed. None of the reports presented a valid rationale for the systematic use of pentoxifylline and the reported results were found to be conflicting. Because of poor study design or low statistical power, the published data did not support a beneficial role of the systemic use of pentoxifylline in idiopathic male-factor infertility. Prospective, double blind trials dealing with fecundity as the major outcome measure may provide the information needed.