Ribavirin and pegylated interferon treatment for hepatitis C was associated not only with semen alterations but also with sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation in humans

This study reports for the first time not only quantitative but also qualitative alterations of spermatogenesis with DNA packaging abnormalities and emphasizes the need for prospective clinical studies. While the results of other studies are awaited, the alterations that persisted 8 months after treatment argue for a longer contraception period after treatment discontinuation in men.