Use of Exogenous Testosterone for the Treatment of Male Factor Infertility: A Survey of Nigerian Doctors. (29th August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Omisanjo, Olufunmilade Akinfolarin; Ikuerowo, Stephen Odunayo; Abdulsalam, Moruf Adekunle; Ajenifuja, Sheriff Olabode; Shittu, Khadijah Adebisi
• Other Names: Siffroi Jean-Pierre Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of reproductive medicine. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-08-29
• Subjects: Reproductive health -- Periodicals; Reproductive Health; Reproductive health; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 612.6
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/4607623
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2356-7104

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Though exogenous testosterone is known for its contraceptive effects in men, it is sometimes prescribed by medical practitioners for the treatment of male factor infertility in the mistaken belief that exogenous testosterone improves sperm count. The aim of this study was to evaluate the scope of testosterone use in the treatment of male factor infertility by medical practitioners in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods . A survey using a structured questionnaire was carried out amongst doctors attending a regular Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme in Lagos, Nigeria. Results . There were 225 respondents. Most of the respondents (69.8%, n = 157 ) indicated that exogenous testosterone increases sperm count. Only 22 respondents (9.8%) indicated (correctly) that exogenous testosterone decreases sperm count. Seventy-seven respondents (34.2%) had prescribed some form of exogenous testosterone in the treatment of male factor infertility. The vast majority of respondents who had prescribed testosterone (81.8%, n = 63 ) thought exogenous testosterone increases sperm count. There was no statistically significant difference in the pattern of prescription across the respondents' specialty (p = 0.859 ) or practice type (p = 0.747 ). Conclusion . The misuse of exogenous testosterone for the treatment of male infertility was common amongst the respondents, with most of them wrongly believing that exogenous testosterone increases sperm count.