Effects of MDMA treatment and cessation on sexual behaviour and testicular functions in male sprague-dawley rats.
BMC pharmacology & toxicology April 11, 2026 O O Obembe, E T George, R A Mustapha et al.
Chronic MDMA exposure in male rats initially increased sexual behaviors such as mounting, intromission, and ejaculation, but these declined during withdrawal. Sperm count and motility decreased after MDMA treatment, with partial recovery after a 30-day drug-free period. Markers of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines increased in both serum and testes, while antioxidant enzymes decreased. MDMA also suppressed luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone levels. Testicular histology showed reduced spermatid populations, which improved after cessation. Partial recovery after stopping MDMA suggests potential long-term reproductive risks.