H. Tournaye et al., PENTOXIFYLLINE IN IDIOPATHIC MALE-FACTOR INFERTILITY - A REVIEW OF ITS THERAPEUTIC EFFICACY AFTER ORAL-ADMINISTRATION, Human reproduction, 9(6), 1994, pp. 996-1000
Since the use of pentoxifylline has received much recent attention for
its role in the treatment of male-factor infertility by in-vitro fert
ilization, there is now an increasing interest in its oral use. Theref
ore, results reported in the literature on the treatment of idiopathic
male-factor infertility by oral administration of pentoxifylline were
summarized and reviewed. None of the reports presented a valid ration
ale for the systematic use of pentoxifylline and the reported results
were found to be conflicting. Because of poor study design or low stat
istical power, the published data did not support a beneficial role of
the systemic use of pentoxifylline in idiopathic male-factor infertil
ity. Prospective, double blind trials dealing with fecundity as the ma
jor outcome measure may provide the information needed.