In a recent study, researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital investigated the connection between men’s antidepressant use, anxiety and depression and their impact on in vitro fertilisation (IVF) outcomes
The findings, published in Human Reproduction, bring encouraging news for men undergoing IVF.
Men’s antidepressant use no hindrance to IVF success
Despite previous concerns regarding the effects of antidepressant medication on fertility, the study’s results show that men experiencing anxiety or depression should not be denied treatment.
Dr. Zachary Walker, a reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellow, emphasised the importance of addressing mental health issues in male patients.
Survey-based study uncovers anxiety and depression statistics
The study involved 222 men undergoing IVF, who completed a Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Those with scores of eight or higher were categorised as having anxiety or depression.
The researchers assessed the correlation between these mental health conditions and IVF outcomes, live birth rates, semen parameters, erectile dysfunction, and low libido.
Anxiety and depression prevalence among IVF patients
Results revealed that 22.5% of respondents experienced anxiety, and 6.5% experienced depression, according to HADS scores. Although men with pressure had slightly lower motile sperm counts during egg retrieval, there was no significant difference in live birth rates between those with and without fear.
Significantly, antidepressant use did not adversely affect IVF outcomes, and there were no substantial findings regarding erectile dysfunction or low libido.
Prioritising patient mental health during fertility treatment
Dr. Walker noted the debate among fertility specialists about prescribing antidepressants during IVF due to potential impacts on fertility.
However, he stressed that stress could alter hormones, potentially hindering fertility. The study underscores the importance of addressing patient mental health, especially given the stress associated with IVF.
While the study had limitations, including a small number of participants with high depression scores and the inability to assess sperm morphology at the time of egg retrieval, it provides valuable insights.
Future research aims to investigate the impact of stress on IVF and birth outcomes by monitoring hormone levels during fertility treatment.
Dr Walker emphasised the need to screen patients for mental health issues before commencing IVF and encouraged patients to pursue appropriate therapies for anxiety and depression without worrying about their impact on IVF outcomes, in alignment with senior author Dr Martin Kathrins’ perspective.
