Effect of clomiphene citrate therapy for male infertility

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction & Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of clomiphene citrate (CC) for idiopathic male infertility. Methods We identified low testosterone (T) and male infertility patients treated with CC at our institution in the period September 2017 to May 2020. Data were gathered on patient characteristics and laboratory values at baseline. We retrospectively evaluated patients whose sperm concentration < 15*106/mL and/or sperm motility < 40%. FSH, LH and total T were measured before and 6-8 weeks after CC therapy. Sperm concentration, sperm motility were evaluated 3 month after CC therapy. Side effects were also recorded. In this series, 25 mg of CC was added every morning in all patients. Results A total of 37 men were included, with a mean age of 36.7 years. After 3month of CC therapy, sperm concentration was significantly increased from 14.07±16.21*106/ml to 30.52±38.10*106/ml. Sperm motility was also increased from 22.61±17.32% to 29.01±17.11%, but not significantly. Total T, FSH, and LH levels all significantly increased. 2 couples (5.4%) got pregnant. 2 patients experienced side effects: acne, n = 1; increased hepatic enzymes, n = 1. There were 5 patients who complained low libido and/or ED, but no improvement by T elevation. Conclusions According to our data, CC therapy increased sperm concentration significantly. CC therapy may be an effective and safe alternative for patients with low T and low sperm concentration. We have to evaluate more cases to know the CC therapy effect for low libido and ED. Disclosure Work supported by industry: no.