Hydroxyurea does not affect the spermatogonial pool in prepubertal patients with sickle cell disease

In these two short reports, the authors approach issue of whether hydroxyurea (HU) use in young males has major irreversible effects on sperm production. Joseph et al analyzed and compared parameters male patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who were exposed or not to HU before puberty. They report semen abnormalities all but no differences between groups. Independently, Gille provide evidence for lack vivo HU-related decreases spermatogonial pool biopsy specimens from SCD a negative effect itself. Together, reports suggest that does adversely affect fertility.