Isotretinoin Research | The Turek Clinic

Can Isotretinoin Jump-Start Sperm Production?

New science, real hope—for men once told “there’s no chance.”
The Breakthrough
A brand-new, peer-reviewed study co-led by Molly Jessup NPc, and Dr. Turek, published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that a 3 to 6-month course of isotretinoin** (the acne drug better known as Accutane®*) helped some severely infertile men start producing sperm.

Who was studied? 30 men with azoospermia (no sperm seen) or cryptozoospermia (extremely low and unreliable sperm counts).
What happened? After treatment, 37% produced motile ejaculated sperm—enough for IVF—without surgical retrieval.
Real outcomes: Embryos were created. Pregnancies and births followed.

Note: While initial results were observed in some men within three months, patients generally remain on therapy for up to
six months—or until sufficient usable sperm are detected—to maximize outcomes.

*Accutane® is a registered trademark. of Hoffmann-La Roche Inc.; use herein is for identification only.
**Isotretinoin is not FDA-approved for male infertility; this is off-label use.

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What Is Isotretinoin?

The basics: Isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) is an Vitamin A derivative.
Common use: FDA-approved for moderate to severe acne and certain skin disorders; dosing and side effects are well known.
Brand names in the U.S.: Accutane, Absorica, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane, Amnesteem (among others).

Why Might It Help Sperm Production?

Its been known for a century that retinoic acid is important for the sperm making machinery in the testicle.
Men with low sperm production often have lower levels of 13-cis-retinoic acid in the testes.
A 3 to 6-month course may stimulate sperm development, measured by:
- Semen analyses showing new ejaculated sperm, or
- FNA Sperm Mapping revealing new “pockets” of sperm inside the testicle.

Who Are the Ideal Candidates?

We’re targeting four patient profiles:

Cryptozoospermia with insufficient sperm to proceed with IVF-ICSI
History of cryptozoospermia → now azoospermic
Azoospermia with Late Maturation Arrest (LMA) on prior FNA mapping
Azoospermia with Early Maturation Arrest (EMA) on prior FNA mapping

Beyond Sperm in Semen: Precision Diagnostics

A standard semen analysis is essential to monitor while on isotretinoin—but it’s just the start. At The Turek Clinic we integrate:

Sperm Mapping™ (Fine-Needle Aspiration): A minimally invasive, guided “GPS” to detect, locate and quantify sperm within the testes—maximizing retrieval success, minimizing tissue damage, and reducing costs.

The Turek Clinic’s 6-Month Isotretinoin Program

Comprehensive Workup
- Review hormones, genetics, prior procedures, and often an FNA Map
Monitored Isotretinoin Therapy (approx. 6 months)
- Monthly prescription and patient monitoring in iPledge
- Regular semen checks; close oversight by our reproductive urology team.
Expected Outcomes
- If ejaculated sperm appear: proceed to freeze semen samples and move directly to IVF/ICSI.
- If not: consider FNA mapping or repeat FNA mapping to locate new testicular sperm made from therapy.

A Concierge Medical Home for Men

The Turek Clinic isn’t just a procedure center—it’s a holistic clinical home for men’s sexual and reproductive health. Where patient’s care is personalized and supported from start to finish, with the expertise and sensitivity from our entire team.

Is This Right for You?

Consider a consult if:

- You’ve been told you’re azoospermic or to “think about donor sperm.”
- You want to avoid invasive surgical sperm retrieval procedures
- You’re ready for an innovative,evidence-based, cutting-edge care program with a top reproductive urology team

Important: Isotretinoin can have side effects and demands strict medical supervision. Not all men will respond.