Probiotics on Sperm Quality in Male Infertility Patients
This randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on sperm quality in male patients diagnosed with infertility. Male infertility accounts for approximately 40% of all infertility cases and is closely related to abnormalities in sperm count, motility, and morpholog
| Condition(s) | Male Infertility, Oligozoospermia, Asthenozoospermia, Teratozoospermia, Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia |
|---|---|
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | NA |
| Study type | Interventional |
| Summary | This randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study aims to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation on sperm quality in male patients diagnosed with infertility. Male infertility accounts for approximately 40% of all infertility cases and is closely related to abnormalities in sperm count, motility, and morphology. Factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA fragmentation are known to impact sperm function and subsequent fertilization potential negatively. Probiotics are microorganisms that confer health benefits by improving the intestinal microenvironment and regulating immunity. Emerging research suggests that probiotics may reduce oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in men with asthenozoospermia; however, clinical data on human sperm remains limited. This study see |
| Who can participate | Inclusion Criteria: * Males aged 20 to 45 years * Diagnosis of unexplained oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia * Sperm concentration \< 5 x 10\^6/mL * Sperm total motility \< 40% * Sperm morphology (Kruger strict criteria) \< 4% Exclusion Criteria: * History of hormonal disorders or epididymo-orchitis * Substance abuse, including drugs or excessive alcohol consumption * Diabetes mellitus * Kidney disease (defined as a doubling of creatinine levels or more) * Chronic liver disease * Varicocele * Current use of medications that interfere with hormones * Occupational or environmental exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, or solvents * Intake of antioxidant supplements within the past three months * Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m\^2 or higher |
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Male |
| Lead sponsor | Mackay Memorial Hospital |
| Locations | New Taipei City, Taiwan |
| Start date | 2023-09-16 |
| NCT ID | NCT07345455 |
| Official listing | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07345455 |