Anti-depressants damage sperm while CoQ10 boost sperm

A study published online by the journal Fertility & Sterility states that as many as half of men taking the anti-depressant paroxetine (brand names, Seroxat and Paxil) have higher levels of sperm fragmentation. “It’s fairly well known that SSRI anti-depressants negatively impact erectile function and ejaculation. This study goes on step further, demonstrating that they can cause a major increase in genetic damage to sperm,” said Dr. Peter Schlegel, the study’s senior author and professor of reproductive medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. “Although this study doesn’t look directly at fertility, we can infer that as many as half of men taking SSRIs have a reduced ability to conceive. These men should talk with their physicians about their treatment options,” he added.

In another study, supplements of co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may improve the motility and density of sperm in infertile men, according to a study in Journal of Urology. 212 infertile men were randomly assigned them to receive a daily CoQ10 supplement (300 mg.) or placebo for 26 weeks. This was followed by 30 weeks with no intervention. The researchers reported a significant improvement in both sperm density and motility following supplements of the coenzyme. A positive association was also found with regards to sperm count. Further analysis showed an increase in the percent of normal forms of sperm. Finally, an increase in the acrosome reaction of over 100 per cent was observed in the CoQ10 group, compared to a 1 per cent increase in the placebo group. The acrosome reaction aids in egg penetration, and subsequently fertilization.

Steve - this is a nice cross-section of how two substances can alter the body in a positive and negative fashion.