Psoriasis and Male Fertility: What Is The Link, Risks and Complications

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly, itchy and flaky skin. Over 10 million people suffer from this immune disorder every year and if you have psoriasis, you must seek treatment or else it can hamper your health in many ways. A lot of men do not know that untreated psoriasis can hamper their fertility. Yes, psoriasis may cause infertility if it not treated on time. Onlymyhealth spoke to Dr. Prashant. S. Joshi, Consultant - Reproductive Medicine & Medical Director, Milann Fertility Hospital, Indiranagar, Bangalore to understand the link between psoriasis and male infertility. Scroll down to read more information.

How are Psoriasis and male fertility linked?

If left untreated, psoriasis can impact male fertility. This is because Psoriasis might be generated due to systemic inflammation, which can damage a variety of body systems. As a result, systemic inflammation can have an impact on hormone levels and sperm quality, resulting in male reproductive issues. Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory illness that may lead to an impact on the entire body and can also cause inflammation. Evidence According to Trusted Source, inflammation may have a negative impact on sperm quality, and so prolonged inflammation could lead to infertility.

In a 2017 study, participants with psoriasis had significantly lower sperm count and motility than those without the disease. Ultrasound imaging revealed inflammation of the accessory sex glands in 35 of 50 psoriasis individuals, but none in the control group. The seminal vesicles and the prostate gland are two male accessory sex glands that contribute to sperm quality and motility.

Also Read: Home Remedies To Control Psoriasis Symptoms In Teenagers

Can psoriasis cause infertility in men?

According to findings, Untreated psoriasis may affect male fertility. The systemic inflammation might have an impact on the hormonal profile leading to inflammation in the sexual accessory glands. Here are some doctor-verified tips for men with psoriasis to reduce fertility-related complications:

• Avoid drug and tobacco use if you have psoriasis. Not only these aggravate psoriasis condition but also impact fertility.
• Limit alcohol consumption as alcohol abuse can also lead to male infertility
• High temperatures, such as those seen in hot tubs and baths, can temporarily impair sperm production and motility. So, avoid taking hot water bath or showers to prevent psoriasis flare ups and its effect on fertility.
• Chemicals that can affect sperm production such as those found in the workplace or in the environment, should be avoided.

Are there any other skin conditions that may impact male fertility?

According to Dr. Joshi, a range of organ problems, including skin ailments, might impair male fertility.

• Cryptorchidism and hypogonadism are two genodermatoses that affect the skin and other organs, including the male reproductive system. 
• Dyschromias, such as deSanctis-Cacchione, poikiloderma congenital, LEOPARD, and H syndrome
• Ichthyosis, such as Rud and trichothiodystrophy; and a group of unrelated genodermatoses, such as ablepharon macrostomia, Coffin-Siris, Gorlin-Goltz, and Werner syndrome, are the most prevalent.
• Male fertility can be harmed by acquired skin disorders such as orchitis, epididymal blockage, or androgen antagonists.
• Among these include infections (leprosy and HIV), autoimmune illnesses (erythema nodosum leprosum), granulomatous diseases (sarcoidosis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis), zinc deficiency, and cancer.
• Several skin disease treatments, most notably cytotoxic medicines (methotrexate), irradiation, and antiandrogens, are known to have negative effects on male fertility (spironolactone, finasteride).

Can untreated psoriasis cause other health problems?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itching and suffering. If left untreated this might further lead to cardiovascular disease, psoriatic arthritis, and type 2 diabetes are all illnesses that can be caused by it.Inflammatory bowel illness, renal disease, anxiety, and depression are all symptoms of depression (might trigger because of patches on the body) People with psoriasis are also more likely to acquire a long-term condition, known as comorbidities.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, having psoriasis doesn’t mean that you have a skin problem but take into account the potential health issues that may arise afterwards. Thus, you must seek proper treatment of psoriasis before it impacts your fertility. Consult an experienced fertility specialist for diagnosis and treatment.

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