The effects of dapoxetine on spermatogenesis and sexual hormones: An animal study

Introduction: Premature ejaculation is one of the problems which men are facing. This disorder can affect the quality of life and in many cases, the fertility of couples. Recent studies have shown that the dapoxetine mechanism affects the spermatogenesis. However, so far, no study has been conducted on the impact of dapoxetine on sexual hormones and spermatogenesis. Therefore, the present study was performed with aim to examine the effects of dapoxetine on sexual hormones and spermatogenesis. Methods: In this study, 32 male albino desert rats weighing 200 to 250 gr were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group received saline solution (1mg/kg) via gavage. Groups 2 to 4 were subjected to intervention with dapoxetine at doses of 1, 2, and 4 ml/kg, respectively, administered through gavage. Pathological changes in the testicular, levels of luteinizing hormones, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone were investigated in this study. Data analysis was done using SPSS software (version 22) and ANOVA, Fisher and post hoc tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Regarding the results of sexual hormones such as testosterone (p<0.001), luteinizing hormones (p=0.007), and follicle-stimulating hormone (p<0.001), there were significant differences between the mentioned four groups. The results showed that there was no evidence of hyperplasia, necrosis, edema, or maturation arrest in any of the testicular cells from the rat groups. However, spermatogenesis was observed in all rats from each of the four groups. Conclusion: In general, the use of dapoxetine changes the level of sexual hormones; however, it had no effect on the pathology of testicular cells.