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Suggest Sleep Medication Which Do Not Cause Low Sperm Count
Question: What OTC sleep medicine is shown not to lower sperm count? I'm reading online that almost everything that helps make you sleep can decrease sperm count. But then again little to no sleep by not taking an aid can be just as bad if not worse for Sperm. I have had 2 SE done both at around 5 million. Tried 2 IUI with wife about 2 and 3 months later and both samples were said to be "good" we have been trying for 16 months. Any insight would be appreciated
Brief Answer:
Low sperm count is unlikely related
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
I am Dr Aslam here to help you.
You have mentioned about Diazepam,Alprazolam,Diphenhydramine and Doxylamine.
Regarding side effects,these drugs can cause effects like dizziness,depression,decreased libido,erectile dysfunction etc.But low sperm count is not mentioned as an established side effect of any of these.Some drugs causing low sperm count are hormonal agents,spironolactone,opioids,alcohol etc.Such drugs are not included in your list.
Although these drugs can help in sedation,these are not be taken on an OTC basis.All these are having significant side effects on central nervous system.So regular OTC use is better avoided.There are more safer alternatives than diazepam/alprazolam,like Zolpidem.If needed,you can take them on followup with your doctor.
Regarding your sperm count,though the count is low(normal is above 20 million),if the morphology is normal,you can be still fertile with assisted techniques as you are already trying.Meanwhile,to improve semen quality,avoid tobacco/alcohol/drug abuse.Also use loose cotton inner wears,avoid hot baths.Any underlying cause like varicocele should also be looked for.Your doctor will guide you in all these.
Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.
Wishing you good health,Thank you.
Low sperm count is unlikely related
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.
I am Dr Aslam here to help you.
You have mentioned about Diazepam,Alprazolam,Diphenhydramine and Doxylamine.
Regarding side effects,these drugs can cause effects like dizziness,depression,decreased libido,erectile dysfunction etc.But low sperm count is not mentioned as an established side effect of any of these.Some drugs causing low sperm count are hormonal agents,spironolactone,opioids,alcohol etc.Such drugs are not included in your list.
Although these drugs can help in sedation,these are not be taken on an OTC basis.All these are having significant side effects on central nervous system.So regular OTC use is better avoided.There are more safer alternatives than diazepam/alprazolam,like Zolpidem.If needed,you can take them on followup with your doctor.
Regarding your sperm count,though the count is low(normal is above 20 million),if the morphology is normal,you can be still fertile with assisted techniques as you are already trying.Meanwhile,to improve semen quality,avoid tobacco/alcohol/drug abuse.Also use loose cotton inner wears,avoid hot baths.Any underlying cause like varicocele should also be looked for.Your doctor will guide you in all these.
Hope I have answered your query.If you have further questions,I will be happy to help.
Wishing you good health,Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I varicocele has been ruled out and I have been staying very healthy to try to improve count. Also started fertilaid couple weeks ago to see if that does anything. I currently take 1mg xanex per night to help sleep. I feel like I can ween myself off if you don't recommend but I would need some sort of OTC sleep aid. I have read that both Benadryl and melatonin have side effects of lower sperm. What OTC sleep aid would you recommend in your expert opinion which wouldnt effect my count?
Brief Answer:
See detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
It is fine that varicocele has been ruled out.
If you need a sleep inducer for long term,it is strongly recommended to avoid OTC based treatment,and get it prescribed from your doctor with regular followup.
In simple insomnia,depending on the clinical scenario,I usually prefer zolpidem to my patients.It is safer than benzodiapines like xanax,and do not affect sperm count.I advise them not to continue the drug beyond prescription,and come back after 2-3 weeks if needed further.
As you said,melatonin agonists can affect testosterone level and semen quality.But I am not convinced with Benadryl.
Hope now you got cleared.If you have no further questions,you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Thank you.
See detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
It is fine that varicocele has been ruled out.
If you need a sleep inducer for long term,it is strongly recommended to avoid OTC based treatment,and get it prescribed from your doctor with regular followup.
In simple insomnia,depending on the clinical scenario,I usually prefer zolpidem to my patients.It is safer than benzodiapines like xanax,and do not affect sperm count.I advise them not to continue the drug beyond prescription,and come back after 2-3 weeks if needed further.
As you said,melatonin agonists can affect testosterone level and semen quality.But I am not convinced with Benadryl.
Hope now you got cleared.If you have no further questions,you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Ok thanks for insight. My last question is I take a combination of 25mg bronkaid and 200 mg of caffeine 2 times a day maybe 4-5 times a week. Combining ephedrine from bronkaid and caffeine give a good boost when I'm on low sleep and have to work long shifts plus for workouts. In your expert opinion does this combination of bronkaid and caffeine have any major effect on sperm? Ok that my last question, thank you so much for your insight it's much appreciated!
Brief Answer:
See detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Caffeine in excessive amount can possibly affect spermatogenesis and semen quality.This adverse effect is not altered on combination with bronkaid(ephedrine+guaifenesine).
It is also important to note that both caffeine and bronkaid has adverse effect on sleep pattern. These drugs causes CNS stimulation, nervousness, tremors, insomnia etc.
Also,on long term use,there are many significant adverse effect on cardiovascular system too like hypertension, arrhythmias, palpitation etc. These are not recommended for long term use without medical supervision.
Hope you got it cleared now.
Thank you.
See detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
Caffeine in excessive amount can possibly affect spermatogenesis and semen quality.This adverse effect is not altered on combination with bronkaid(ephedrine+guaifenesine).
It is also important to note that both caffeine and bronkaid has adverse effect on sleep pattern. These drugs causes CNS stimulation, nervousness, tremors, insomnia etc.
Also,on long term use,there are many significant adverse effect on cardiovascular system too like hypertension, arrhythmias, palpitation etc. These are not recommended for long term use without medical supervision.
Hope you got it cleared now.
Thank you.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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