EFFECTS OF COMMONLY PRESCRIBED SSRIS ON SPERM MOTILITY

Introduction: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are extensively prescribed antidepressants known for their effectiveness and favourable safety profile. However, growing evidence indicates potential adverse effects on male reproductive health, particularly sperm quality, raising concerns for men of reproductive age. This Objectives: study aimed to evaluate the effects of commonly prescribed SSRIs—specifically escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine—on sperm motility, in patients at a tertiary care centre in Western Uttar Pradesh. A prospective comparative study was conducted , invo Methods: lving 120 male patients aged 22–45 years, diagnosed with depression, anxiety spectrum disorders, or premature ejaculation as per ICD-11 criteria. Participants received single-drug therapy with escitalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline, or paroxetine. Semen samples were analysed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months following WHO guidelines. Data were statistically evaluated using repeated measures ANOVA. The stud Results: y revealed significant reductions (p<0.001) in sperm motility across all SSRI groups after 1 and 3 months compared to baseline values. Paroxetine exhibited the most pronounced negative effects, particularly in sperm motility. Conversely, escitalopram demonstrated comparatively mild impacts. Conclusion: This study confirmed that SSRIs significantly compromise semen quality, potentially affecting male fertility. Paroxetine showed the strongest adverse effects, suggesting clinicians exercise caution when prescribing SSRIs to patients considering conception. Further large-scale, controlled studies are needed to establish robust clinical guidelines. Patients should be counselled on these reproductive risks, and fertilitypreserving strategies should be considered when initiating SSRI therapy