Small psoriasis study detected no significant semen changes with methotrexate
Men with psoriasis had semen testing before and after continuous methotrexate treatment. No measured change reached statistical significance, but this small uncontrolled study cannot establish fertility safety.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
In men with psoriasis, semen measurements did not change significantly between testing before methotrexate and testing after continuous treatment. This is a preliminary short-term finding, not proof that treatment has no reproductive effects. The study assessed semen characteristics rather than the ability to conceive, and its small sample and lack of a control group limit interpretation.
The abstract identifies a small sample and no control group. Its short observation period and semen endpoints leave longer-term effects and actual fertility outcomes unresolved.
What researchers found
Before-and-after semen testing
Semen volume, acidity, sperm concentration, movement, shape and pus cell count: before treatment versus after 3 months; all p > 0.05.
What the tests measured
The researchers examined semen volume and acidity, sperm numbers, movement and shape, and pus cells. These are reproductive indicators. The abstract does not report pregnancies or other outcomes showing whether participants' ability to conceive changed.
How to read a null result
A nonsignificant comparison means the study did not detect a statistically clear change. It does not establish that the measurements were equivalent before and after treatment, particularly when the sample is small.
The original publication
Effect of Methotrexate on Semen Parameters in Psoriatic Male Patients.
Elhanbly S, Shendy D, Zohdy M
Cureus · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40656296
- Record checked
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