Andrology-Open Access
Open Access
ISSN: 2167-0250
ISSN: 2167-0250
Niloofar Khoshnam-Rad*
Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder affecting the motile cilia in various organ systems, including the reproductive system. With motile cilia crucial for effective mucociliary clearance, dysfunctional cilia can result in chronic respiratory infections and inflammation. PCD impacts male fertility due to defects in sperm production and maturation, affecting approximately 1 in 7,500 people without gender disparity. Despite its prevalence, PCD often remains undiagnosed, highlighting the need for enhanced diagnostic strategies. Clinical presentation varies, with recurrent infections being the most common characteristic. Although most PCD patients develop symptoms in childhood, some experience a delayed presentation until adulthood. Male individuals with PCD are generally at a high risk of infertility due to structural similarities between the axoneme in motile cilia and sperm flagella. Research suggests that 75% of couples with a male partner diagnosed with PCD may face infertility issues. In addition to oligospermia and asthenozoospermia, teratozoospermia is also prevalent in individuals with PCD, further impacting fertility. Prompt diagnosis and management are vital to mitigate PCD's impact on fertility. Semen analysis is recommended for males with PCD to assess potential infertility and in vitro fertilization techniques, particularly intracytoplasmic sperm injection, have shown effectiveness. Gaining a better understanding of the relationship between PCD and male infertility can optimize patient counseling and facilitate the development of standardized treatment options. Further research in this field holds the potential to create effective and personalized treatment options for PCD, thereby improving overall reproductive health outcomes.
Published Date: 2025-05-19; Received Date: 2024-03-15