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. 2024 Jun 1;28(2):341-348.
doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20240013.

Probiotics supplementation in the treatment of male infertility: A Systematic Review

Licia Cristina Silva de Lima Oliveira  1 , Elton Carvalho Costa  1 , Fernanda Domingues Gomes Martins  1 , Alcenir Sales da Rocha  1 , Girlandia Alexandre Brasil  1
Affiliations

Probiotics supplementation in the treatment of male infertility: A Systematic Review

Licia Cristina Silva de Lima Oliveira et al. JBRA Assist Reprod. .

Abstract

Infertility is a widespread global issue that affects approximately 15% of sexually active and active couples, which contributes to about 50% of cases. Currently, the condition remains prevalent and often inadequately treated. This systematic review aims to evaluate existing studies investigating the effects of probiotic supplementation in men. A comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, and Scielo, using relevant keywords such as 'probiotic' OR 'Lactobacillus' OR 'Bifidobacterium' AND 'Male infertility' OR 'male fertility' OR 'sperm quality' OR 'sperm motility' OR 'oligoasthenoteratozoospermia' and their Portuguese equivalents. Four randomized clinical studies met the inclusion criteria, focusing on men diagnosed with idiopathic male infertility (oligozoospermia, teratozoospermia, and asthenozoospermia). The findings revealed that probiotic administration exhibited promising antioxidant properties by combating reactive oxygen species (ROS), consequently protecting sperm DNA from damage that correlates with declining sperm quality. Significant improvements were observed across all sperm parameters, with notable enhancement in motility. Consequently, probiotic supplementation emerges as a potential therapeutic alternative for men diagnosed with idiopathic infertility, demonstrating positive effects on sperm quality.

Keywords: Bifidobacterium; DNA fragmentation; Lactobacillus; oligoasthenoteratozoospermia; oxidative stress.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flowchart the selection of studies for inclusion in the review.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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