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Review
. 2024 Sep 11;12(9):209.
doi: 10.3390/diseases12090209.

Empirical Treatments for Male Infertility: A Focus on Lifestyle Modifications and Medicines

Aris Kaltsas  1 , Athanasios Zachariou  2 , Fotios Dimitriadis  3 , Michael Chrisofos  1 , Nikolaos Sofikitis  2
Affiliations
Review

Empirical Treatments for Male Infertility: A Focus on Lifestyle Modifications and Medicines

Aris Kaltsas et al. Diseases. .

Abstract

Background/objectives: Male infertility is a prevalent issue impacting numerous couples worldwide. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of empirical therapies for male infertility, focusing on both lifestyle modifications and medical treatments. This study provides a comprehensive overview of interventions aimed at improving male fertility outcomes.

Methods: A thorough review of the existing literature was conducted, encompassing studies on lifestyle changes such as dietary changes, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, and exercise. Additionally, medical treatments including selective estrogen receptor modulators, gonadotropins, aromatase inhibitors, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, antioxidants, dopamine agonists, kallikrein, indomethacin, low-dose corticosteroids, alpha-blockers, and nitric oxide donors were evaluated. The study population included males diagnosed with infertility, focusing on various underlying causes.

Results: Lifestyle modifications were found to have a positive impact on sperm quality. Evidence shows that a healthy diet, smoking cessation, moderate alcohol consumption, and regular exercise improve fertility outcomes. Medical treatments demonstrated significant improvements in sperm production and quality. Selective estrogen receptor modulators and gonadotropins enhanced sperm parameters. Aromatase inhibitors and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors specifically improved sperm motility and increased pregnancy rates. Antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C and coenzyme Q10, reduced oxidative stress and enhanced sperm counts, motility, and morphology. Dopamine agonists, particularly cabergoline, normalized prolactin levels and improved fertility outcomes. Kallikrein therapy improved sperm parameters and increased pregnancy rates. Indomethacin treatment was associated with increased sperm concentrations and motility. Low-dose corticosteroids and alpha-blockers showed variable results, and nitric oxide donors like L-arginine enhanced sperm counts and motility.

Conclusions: Empirical therapies, including lifestyle modifications and medical treatments, significantly enhance sperm quality and reproductive potential. These integrated approaches are essential in improving fertility outcomes in males. However, further extensive randomized trials are necessary to definitively establish the most effective treatments.

Keywords: lifestyle modifications; male infertility; medical treatments; reproductive health; sperm quality.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Lifestyle modifications to reduce oxidative stress, restore hormonal balance, and enhance male fertility.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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