The effect of levonorgestrel and estrone rods on male reproductive function
Brache, V.; Alvarez-Sánchez, F.; León, P.; Schmidt, F.; Faundes, A.
Contraception 25(6): 591-603
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 6811196 DOI: 10.1016/0010-7824(82)90060-9Document Number: 562680
The effect on spermatogenesis of the implantation of six rods containing levonorgestrel and three estrone rods was studied in seven volunteers aged 32-40, with normal pre-treatment spermiogram. None of the subjects achieved azoospermia. The lowest sperm count was below 1 million/ml in three subjects and below 12 million/ml in the other four. Plasma FSH and testosterone were severely depressed during the study, but LH was only transiently depressed for the first two months. Four subjects recovered pre-treatment sperm counts in spite of the FSH levels below 1.5 mIU/ml and testosterone levels below 1 ng/ml, which is contradictory to the current concept on hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis.