The effect of orally administered androgens on sperm motility.

The administration of oral androgens increased sperm motility to normal in 30 (52%) of 58 men whose impaired motility was the only defect in their semen quality. Their ejaculate volume, sperm count, and morphology were not benefited. Suppression was infrequently seen and appeared to be transient. Pregnancies were documented in 15 (26%) of the 58 couples studies. However, communication regarding this matter was made with only 39 of the 58 couples. The benefical effect from a single course of androgen is likely to persist. However, if a pregnancy does not ensue, semen analysis should be repeated to determine if additional medication is necessary. Pretreatment serum testosterone determinations were not helpful in determining those men who would most likely benefit from therapy. No appreciable benefit was noted in the semen quality of the 35 subfertile men identically treated who, in addition to poor sperm motility, had other defects in their semen.