Clomid For Men
Trying out treatments that may or may not work for unexplained (idiopathic) male infertility is a touchy subject. Some of the treatments that have been used in this manner to treat male factor infertility are follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-estrogen, L-carnitine, and various antioxidants. One recent study decided to analyze what would happen if a combination of therapies were used to treat male infertility. The combination of treatments chosen by this research team consisted of clomiphene citrate (Clomid) and vitamin E.
The researchers designed their study to be prospective, randomized, and placebo-controlled. The research was carried out at Cairo University Hospital's outpatient andrology clinic. Participants included 60 infertile males who had been diagnosed with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia or low sperm count plus poor sperm motility.
The researchers divided the patients at random into two treatment groups. One group received Clomid (25 mg/day) plus vitamin E (400 mg/day; n=30). The other group received a placebo. Both groups remained in treatment for a period of six months.
Pregnancy Rates
Outcome was measured according to pregnancy rates and changes in semen parameters. The group that received the combination Clomid and vitamin E treatment showed a significant improvement in pregnancy rates as compared to the control group. The combination treatment group had a pregnancy rate of 36.7% while those in the control group showed a pregnancy rate of 13.3%. Sperm counts, improved sperm motility, and semen volume were also significant within the combination therapy group when compared with rates within the control group.
Easy And Safe
The researchers have concluded that the use of clomiphene citrate as an anti-estrogen in tandem with the use of vitamin E as an antioxidant, can effect a significant increase in the rate of pregnancy, improved sperm counts, and better sperm motility for men with unexplained male factor infertility due to oligoasthenozoospermia where the testicles are of normal size, there is a normal to low normal FSH level, and no known female or male factors for infertility. This treatment is not only inexpensive, but is also easy and safe to administer.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved Clomid as a treatment for male infertility. Clomid stimulates pituitary hormones such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Low levels of TSH have been shown to be indicative of poor fertility. Men with low levels of TSH have demonstrated a decrease in sperm motility. Studies have shown that men with mild sperm abnormalities respond to Clomid with improved sperm counts and/or sperm motility.
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