Preserving sperm quality with aging through cryopreservation
Official title: Human Sperm Cryopreservation as an Alternative to the Decline of Sperm Quality With Aging
Run by IVI Murcia · NCT07814235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether freezing and thawing sperm can help keep younger-like DNA and molecular traits in men as they age.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | IVI Murcia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Murcia, Murcia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07814235 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Men aged 18–65 attending IVI Murcia for semen analysis or assisted reproduction who consent to provide semen and a blood sample.
✕Probably not a fit
Men who do not show preservation of sperm DNA methylation or other molecular features after cryopreservation may not experience a clear benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study will analyze semen and blood samples from men 18–65 who are undergoing fertility testing at IVI Murcia. Each semen sample will be split into fresh, slow-frozen, and vitrified aliquots to compare sperm quality, DNA methylation, fragmentation, telomere length, and extracellular vesicle features before and after cryopreservation. Age-related effects on these parameters will be assessed to see if cryopreservation can preserve characteristics associated with younger paternal age. Additional analyses will explore how these factors relate to seminal plasma vesicles and blood cell telomeres. The goal is to determine whether sperm cryopreservation could help maintain younger-age sperm traits for use in assisted reproduction.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, sperm cryopreservation could help preserve molecular and functional sperm traits associated with younger age for use in future assisted reproduction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests age-related changes in sperm, but this specific cryopreservation approach for preserving molecular traits is exploratory and not yet proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male participants aged 18 to 65 years * Attending IVI Murcia for semen analysis and/or assisted reproduction treatment * Able and willing to provide written informed consent * Willing to provide a semen sample and a blood sample for research purposes Exclusion Criteria: * Previous diagnosis of azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (sperm concentration \<1 million sperm/mL) * Known chromosomal abnormality (abnormal karyotype) * Known Y chromosome microdeletion * Febrile illness within the previous 3 months * Presence of varicocele * Current use of vitamin or antioxidant supplements intended to improve semen quality
Where it's running
-
IVI Murcia
Murcia, Murcia, Spain Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.