The effect of naproxen on the concentration of prostaglandins in human seminal fluid.

Whole ejaculates were examined for their content of prostaglandins (PGs) during medication with 250 mg naproxen three times daily for 2 weeks. Six volunteers delivered semen samples before, periodically during, and after the period of medication. During treatment with naproxen, the concentration of PGE, PGF, 19-hydroxy-PGE, and 19-hydroxy-PGF significantly decreased. One week after cessation of medication the PG concentration had returned almost to that found before treatment. The four 19-hydroxy-PGF compounds could be determined separately and the relation between them estimated. The proportion of 8 alpha-19-hydroxy-PGF2 alpha increased, whereas that of 8 beta-19-hydroxy-PGF1 alpha decreased significantly during the medication period. No significant influence of the treatment on sperm density or motility could be observed. It is concluded that treatment with naproxen, a potent inhibitor of PG synthesis, significantly reduces the concentration of all PGs present in human seminal fluid. The implication of the effect on human fertility is discussed.