Mesalamine and Reproductive Health Study (MARS)

• Altered semen quality and sperm transcriptome analysis [ Time Frame: Initial analysis takes place approximately 4-5 months after patient enrolls and after he has completed first crossover of medication. The second phase takes place about 8-10 months later after he crosses back to original medication. ]
  

• Serum levels of reproductive hormones [ Time Frame: Analysis of hormone levels take place at the same intervals described above, 4-5 months after enrollment and then again 8-10 months after enrollment when patient has resumed taking orginal medication. ]
  

There are 2 ways you can participate in the study.

OPTION 1 involves 6 one-hour visits to the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Andrology Clinic over a 9 month period. At each visit you would be asked to fill out questionnaires and to provide a urine, semen, and blood sample. Following Visit 2, you are asked to switch your brand of mesalamine medication. After 4 months, you change back to your original brand of medication. The change in medication will be done in consultation with your primary GI doctor. If the cost of co-payment is greater for the new brand of medication, we will provide compensation to cover the difference. In the case you do not have prescription drug health insurance coverage, the study will reimburse up to $4000 to cover the cost for Asacol, Pentasa or Lialda medication taken during your study participation.

OPTION 2 involves 4 one-hour visits to MGH Andrology clinic. At each visit you complete questionnaires and provide a blood, urine and semen sample. You are eligible for Option 2 if you are currently taking Asacol or Asacol HD and do not want to change your medication.