Effects of Oral Androgen on Faulty Spermatogenesis

Lee, Hee Yeng

Abstract

This clinical study has been undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of Proviron (mestero1one. Schering), which has been considered as an orally effective androgen preparation for the treatment of faulty spematogenesis in the male Prior to commencement of therapy at least two spermiograms were checked in each patient. In assessing the results, the patients were divided into two groups according to the sperm counts, as follows: group of less than 10 million per ml. (10 mill. (-) group), and group of more than 10 million per ml. but less than 40 million per ml. (10 mill. (+) group). They were also divided into two groups according to sperm motility, as follows: group of less than 30 per cent (30% (-) group) and group of more then 30 per cent (30% (+) group). Treatment scheme was as follows: Twenty to 30 mg of proviron was given by mouth daily for more than 90 days to be justified on the basis of the general assumption that spermatogenetic cycle lasts approximately 74 days. An average duration of the treatment was 90 days in this study. The results were considered to be Good if more than 20 per cent of improvement being noted either on the count or on the motility beyond the pre-treatment level; Moderate if only slight improvement on the count or motility; and Negative if no change on the count or motility. The results of this study are presented as follows: 1. Total number of subjects treated: 50 cases An average age of the husbands: 36 (29-45) An average age of their wives: 31 (24-40) An average duration of marital life: 4 years (1-17 years) An average frequency of coitus: 2 per week 2. Changes of sperm counts: 10 mill. (-) group: Good was found in 29% of total subjects Moderate in 47%, and Negative in 24%. 10mill. (+) group: Good in 62% of total subjects, Moderate in 28%, and Negative in 10%. An average of total subjects: Good in 48%, Moderate in 36%, and Negative in 16%. 3. Chenges of motility: 10 mill. (-) group: Good in 24% of total subjects Moderate in 57%, and Negative in 19%. 10 mill. (+) group: Good in 62% of total subjects Moderate in 31%, and Negatiye in 7%. An average of total subjects: Good in 48% of total subjects Moderate in 42%. and Negative in 12%. 30% (-) group: Good in 42% of total subjects Moderate in 42%, and Negative in 16%. 30% (+) group: Good in 50% of total subjects, Moderate in 42%, and Negative in 8%. An average of total subjects: Good in 46% of total subjects Moderate in 42%, and Negative in 12%. 4. Other changes: Volume of seminal fluid: increased from 2.6m1. of pre-treatment to 2,8mI. of post-treatment. Normal shape of spermatosoa: increased from 73% of pre-treatment to 78% of post-treatment. Coital frequency per week: increased from Z times of pre-treatment to 3 times of post-treatment. Body weight: gained 2kg after the treatment. The introduction of proviron an orally active androgen, has been welcomed by many andrologists. principally because it in contrast to other active androgen, does not curb pituitary activity and, therefore, has no effects on the hormonal homeostasis. It does not produce the rebound phenomenone in all the cases treated, but in a small number of cases the rebound phenomenone might be occurred. It has no adverse effect on liver function. In conclusion, the author's clinicsl experience confirmed that proviron appears to be of value particularly in the treatment of oligospermias by longterm treatment without any noticeable adverse effects.