A case of reversible azoospermia following withdrawal from alcohol consumption

J Endocrinol Invest. 2002 May;25(5):473-6. doi: 10.1007/BF03344041.

Abstract

Chronic alcohol intake is associated with male reproductive function impairment. However, no longitudinal studies have been carried out to determine the recovery of alcohol-related spermatogenetic failure subsequent to moderate periods of abstinence. The present report describes the achievement of a pregnancy 3 months after withdrawal from alcohol consumption in the partner of a patient with azoospermia secondary to heavy alcoholic intake (mean daily alcohol consumption: 90 g). Alcoholism was the putative cause of the infertile condition of this patient because, during alcohol consumption, he first had teratozoospermia characterized by a never reported high percentage of spermatozoa with large heads (associated with a nonmegaloblastic macrocytic anaemia in the blood smear), and subsequently azoospermia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / complications*
  • Ethanol / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oligospermia / etiology*
  • Oligospermia / physiopathology*
  • Pregnancy*

Substances

  • Ethanol