Probiotics to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology in men with low sperm quality
Official title: Effect of Probiotics on Sperm Quality in Male Infertility Patients
Run by Mackay Memorial Hospital · NCT07345455 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether daily probiotic supplements can improve sperm count, motility, and morphology in men with unexplained low sperm quality.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Mackay Memorial Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Taipei City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 16, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | January 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07345455 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Men aged 20–45 with unexplained oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia who meet sperm criteria (sperm concentration less than 5 million/mL, total motility under 40%, Kruger morphology under 4%) and without excluded medical or exposure histories are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Men with known causes of infertility such as varicocele, hormonal disorders, diabetes, chronic liver or kidney disease, significant occupational toxin exposure, recent antioxidant use, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, or current interfering medications are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial enrolling 60 men with unexplained oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. Participants receive either a probiotic supplement or placebo for about 100 days with semen samples collected at baseline (day 0), mid-intervention (day 60), and post-intervention (day 100). Sperm concentration, motility, and morphology will be measured using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) alongside tests for DNA fragmentation and other sperm function markers. The trial tests whether probiotic modulation of the gut and immune environment can translate into measurable improvements in sperm parameters.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, probiotics could offer a low-cost, well-tolerated approach to improve sperm quality and potentially increase chances of natural conception for some men.
How similar studies have gone: Small early studies and preliminary reports suggest probiotics may improve motility and reduce DNA fragmentation in some men, but clinical evidence in larger human trials remains limited and mixed.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where it's running
-
MacKay Memorial Hospital
New Taipei City, Taiwan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Sheng-Hsiang Li, PhD
- Email: lsh@mmh.org.tw
- Phone: 886-2-28094661
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Daily gazpacho to improve semen quality in men with reduced sperm parameters
This study will test whether drinking a daily 330 mL serving of gazpacho for 12 weeks helps men with reduced sperm quality improve their semen parameters and lower oxidative stress.
-
Evaluating a new method for sperm capacitation
This study is testing a new method called HyperSperm to see if it can improve sperm quality for men who are having trouble with fertility.
-
Correlation between PLC zeta measurements and semen parameters in male infertility
This study tests whether levels of the sperm protein PLCζ in semen relate to standard semen quality measures in men facing infertility.
-
Single infrapubic versus bilateral subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy for bilateral varicocele
This trial tests whether a single infrapubic approach can fix both varicoceles more quickly and with less pain than the standard two-incision bilateral approach in men with infertility.
-
Live motile sperm sorting device vs standard sperm prep in older men for IVF outcomes
This study tests whether the LensHooke CA0, a centrifugation-free sperm sorting method, improves IVF outcomes for couples where the male partner is 40 or older.
-
AI tool to analyze sperm and predict their ability to help IVF/ICSI succeed
This project will test an AI platform that analyzes semen samples from men providing sperm for IVF/ICSI to see if it can predict which samples have the best chance of supporting successful IVF/ICSI outcomes.
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.