The effects of N- acetyl- l- cysteine on reduction of semen viscosity

Hyperviscous semen is an etiologic cause for male-related infertility which is related to function of oxidative systems in the cells. So, use of anti-oxidants may be useful. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of N-acetyl-l-cysteine in reduction of seminal viscosity. In this experimental study, 200 patients attending to urology clinic of Amiralmomenin hospital with hyperviscouse semen were selected and treated with N-acetyl-l-cysteine, 500 mg twice a day for one month. Sperm analysis was repeated after treatment and 10 days later. After treatment, the viscosity which was initially high in all patients was normal in 124 men (62%), high in 60 patients (30%), and low in 16 subjects (8%). Also sperm count, motility, and morphology were improved significantly after the treatment (p< 0.05). According to 70 percent efficacy for Nacetyl-l-cysteine and lack of any drug adverse effects, this therapeutic modality may be indicated upon with patient's conditions and physician's opinion.