The Impact of Sodium Valproate on Male Reproductive Health: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Sodium Valproate is one of the most prescribed antiepileptic drugs and it leads to severe reproductive problems among men. The objective of this review is to provide an overview about the influence of valproate on male fertility, testicular morphology and hormonal regulation based on published data. Several studies have reported that chronic treatment with Valproic Acid can cause testicular morphological alterations, decreased sperm mobility and hormonal imbalances, suggesting male infertility. Research with animal models, mostly Wistar rats and Swiss mice, has demonstrated that valproate provokes germ cell damage through oxidative stress- genotoxicity acted induced meiosis. These findings have important implications for understanding the risks of valproate therapy in epileptic men. It also reviews other potential preventive methods, such as antioxidant intervention that would decrease the harmful effects of valproate on reproductive health. Collectively, the evidence presented indicates that healthcare providers should consider these risks when prescribing valproate and investigate alternative treatment options or protective measures for male patients. The purpose of this comprehensive review is to provide information regarding the clinical management and also indicates future research prospects that may be targeted in investigating how valproate use might have reproductive consequences among male population.