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A case of reversible azoospermia following withdrawal from alcohol consumption

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Abstract

Chronic alcohol intake is associated with male reproductive function impairment. However, no longitudinal studies have been carried out to determine the recovery of alcohol-related spermatogenetic failure subsequent to moderate periods of abstinence. The present report describes the achievement of a pregnancy 3 months after withdrawal from alcohol consumption in the partner of a patient with azoospermia secondary to heavy alcoholic intake (mean daily alcohol consumption: 90 g). Alcoholism was the putative cause of the infertile condition of this patient because, during alcohol consumption, he first had teratozoospermia characterized by a never reported high percentage of spermatozoa with large heads (associated with a nonmegaloblastic macrocytic anaemia in the blood smear), and subsequently azoospermia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Andrology and Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Ospedale Garibaldi, Piazza S. Maria di Gesù, 95123, Catania, Italy

    E. Vicari (Chair of Endocrinology), A. Arancio, V. Giuffrida, R. D’Agata & A. E. Calogero

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  1. E. Vicari
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  2. A. Arancio
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  3. V. Giuffrida
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  4. R. D’Agata
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  5. A. E. Calogero
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Correspondence to E. Vicari.

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Vicari, E., Arancio, A., Giuffrida, V. et al. A case of reversible azoospermia following withdrawal from alcohol consumption. J Endocrinol Invest 25, 473–476 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03344041

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