Clomiphene citrate in the management of oligoasthenospermia

Abstract

Background: Although clomiphene citrate (clomid) is, anti-estrogen, typically used for women with fertility problems, there have been a variety studies as to the use of clomiphene citrate in treating male subfertility.
Objective: To evaluate the role of clomid in treating male with oligoasthenospermia.
Methods: A prospective clinical study of 40 men with preliminary diagnosis of oligoasthenospermia according to WHO protocols in Wassit Government Iraq from July 2007 through July 2008.Clomid 50 mg oral daily dose was given for 4 months. The changes in sperm counts, the percentage of active sperms, pregnancy rate and side effects were recorded and analyzed.
Results: The mean sperm count before treatment was 11millions per ml, while the mean percentages of sperm motility were 15%. After treatment the mean sperm count increased to 35 millions per ml (3 times) and the mean percentage of motile sperm to 30 % (2 times).8 patients (20%) reported their wives became pregnant.4 patients (10%) failed to respond. Conclusions and recommendations: In patients with normogonadotrophic oligoasthenospermia, clomiphene citrate improves sperm counts and motility and probably increase pregnancy rate.This can possibly convert the choice of treatment from IVF/ICSI to less costly IUI.Also it may save some women from being treated for a problem of male infertility.However, controlled trails with larger number of patients are needed to confirm the findings of this study.