Semen parameters are unaffected by statin use in men evaluated for infertility.

Abstract

The effects of statin use on conventional semen parameters in humans are largely unknown and have not been previously studied in subfertile men. We retrospectively reviewed data from 10,140 patients seen at our fertility clinic between 2002 and 2013 to assess the effects of statin use on semen parameters. Men who used any statins for >3months before semen sample collection were included as cases. Data were gathered on patient age, medication use and conventional semen parameters. A total of 118 patients (126 samples) used statins for at least 3months before semen sample collection. Data from 7698 patients (8,760 samples), who were not using any medications, were used as controls. In age-adjusted regression models, statin use was not associated with statistically significant changes in semen parameters. When used in combination with other nonspermatotoxic medications, it was associated with 0.3ml decrease in semen volume (95% confidence interval: 0.02 to 0.58ml, p-value=.04). In conclusion, statin use was not adversely associated with semen parameters other than semen volume in subfertile patients. These findings from our large-scale retrospective study suggest that there are no clinically relevant deleterious effects from statin use on conventional semen parameters.