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Drugs affecting the
male reproductive system
Learning objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
1.
Discuss the effects of testosterone and other androgens on the male body and use this information to explain
the therapeutic and adverse effects of these agents when used clinically.
2.
Describe the therapeutic actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, most common adverse
reactions and important drug–drug interactions associated with drugs affecting the male reproductive
system.
3.
Discuss the use of drugs that affect the male reproductive system across the lifespan.
4.
Compare and contrast the prototype drugs testosterone and sildenafil with other agents in their class.
5.
Outline the nursing considerations, including important teaching points, for men receiving drugs used to
affect the reproductive system.
Glossary of key terms
anabolic steroids:
androgens developed with more anabolic or protein-building effects than androgenic effects
androgenic effects:
effects associated with development of male sexual characteristics and secondary characteristics (e.g. deepening
of voice, hair distribution, genital development, acne)
androgens:
male sex hormones, primarily testosterone; produced in the testes and adrenal glands
hirsutism:
hair distribution associated with male secondary sex characteristics (e.g. increased hair on trunk, arms, legs, face)
hypogonadism:
underdevelopment of the gonads (testes in the male)
penile erectile dysfunction:
condition in which the corpus cavernosum does not fill with blood to allow for penile erection; can be
related to ageing or to neurological or vascular conditions
Test your current knowledge of drugs affecting the male reproductive system with a PrepU Practice Quiz!
ANDROGENS
danazol
mesterolone
testosterone
ANABOLIC STEROIDS
nandrolone
DRUGS FOR TREATING PENILE
ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
alprostadil
sildenafil
tadalafil
vardenafil
