Clinical Research Directory

FSH in Azoospermic Men

This study was designed in 2015, but since funds were not obtained, the study was not performed.

YO® Smartphone Home Sperm Test Versus Manual Semen Analysis in Egyptian Men

This study compares the YO® Home Sperm Test, a smartphone-based semen testing device, with conventional manual semen analysis performed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) 6th edition laboratory manual. Each participant provides one semen sample. A small aliquot is taken for testing with the YO® device, performed by the participant himself under supervision according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the remainder of the sample is analyzed manually in the andrology laboratory. The main question is how closely the motile sperm concentration (MSC) measured by the YO® device correlates with the MSC calculated from manual analysis. Secondary comparisons include sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility and progressively motile sperm concentration. The study also compares the time needed to obtain results by each method and assesses participants' ease of use and satisfaction with the device. The aim is to determine whether this device could serve as a private, accessible screening tool for male fertility in Egypt.

Comparative Efficacy of Antioxidants Alone Versus Combined Therapy With SERMs or FSH in Normogonadotropic Idiopathic OAT Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This prospective randomized controlled trial will compare three treatment approaches for men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT), a condition characterized by abnormalities in sperm count, movement, and shape without an identified cause. Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive antioxidant therapy alone, antioxidant therapy plus clomiphene citrate, or antioxidant therapy plus follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) for 6 months. The study will evaluate whether adding clomiphene citrate or FSH to antioxidant therapy improves semen parameters compared with antioxidant therapy alone. The main outcomes will include changes in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. The study will also assess sperm function, hormonal changes, treatment adherence, and adverse events.

Home Semen Testing in Men Beginning Attempts to Conceive

The overall objective of the proposed study is to enhance early detection of male factor infertility and reduce cost and morbidity associated with delayed diagnosis through development of a universal screening model based on home semen testing. The advent of inexpensive and accurate home semen testing has enabled a potential paradigm shift in the approach to male fertility evaluation. The investigator's central hypothesis is that universal home semen testing prior to attempts to conceive is easy for participants and can lead to reduced fertility-related anxiety and early detection of male factor infertility, thereby expediting evaluation and treatment for the couple while minimizing unnecessary cost and morbidity. This study is specifically designed to assess the feasibility and utility of home semen testing for couples who are beginning attempts to conceive. First, the investigator will assess participants' ability to complete the home semen testing, ease of use, and obstacles encountered in doing so. Second, the investigator will examine the impact of home semen testing in fertility-related quality of life among couples beginning attempts to conceive, as well as ability of home semen testing to increase the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility in these couples.

Investigation of the Effects of Stem Cell Supportive Treatment on Semen Parameters and Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ICSI) in Infertile Male Patients With Oligoasthenospermia(Decrease Sperm Number and Quality)

This study evaluated whether Stemregen® dietary supplementation could improve sperm quality and assisted reproductive treatment outcomes in men with severe oligoasthenozoospermia who had previously experienced at least one failed intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) attempt. A total of 60 men were included and divided into a treatment group and a control group. Participants in the treatment group received Stemregen® dietary supplementation for 3 months, while the control group received no additional treatment. Semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation, fertilization, embryo transfer, and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated and compared between the groups.

Efficacy and Safety of a New Sperm Capacitation Method

Prospective, multicenter research study with a split-sample design on semen samples, without intervention, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HyperSperm, a new sperm capacitation method, in 300 semen samples with various characteristics and abnormalities, in an in vitro study over 12 months.

Nordic Sperm DNA Study

Introduction The goal of this prospective observational study with an embedded randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of sperm DNA fragmentation (damage to the genetic material in sperm cells) (SDF) among men undergoing fertility treatment and to determine whether an individualized lifestyle programme can reduce SDF and improve pregnancy outcomes. The study includes approximately 800 men undergoing fertility treatment at a Danish fertility clinic. Objectives and methods The main research questions are: 1. How common is elevated SDF among Danish men undergoing fertility treatment? 2. Is elevated SDF associated with reduced live birth rates and increased early pregnancy loss? 3. Can a 3-month individualized lifestyle intervention reduce SDF in men with high SDF levels (above 20%)? The whole cohort will participate in the observational study. Participants with SDF above 20% will be invited to take part in the randomized controlled trial. In the RCT researchers will compare men randomized to an individualized lifestyle intervention with men receiving standard fertility care to determine whether the intervention reduces sperm DNA fragmentation and improves subsequent pregnancy outcomes. All participants will: * Provide semen samples for sperm DNA fragmentation testing and routine semen analysis. * Provide blood samples to measure hormones and other health markers On the basis of SDF results participants will either: * Have SDF of 20% or lower: Continue with routine fertility treatment and follow up. * Have SDF above 20%: Be randomly assigned to either a personalised 3-month lifestyle programme or standard fertility care. Participants in the lifestyle programme will receive personalised advice on diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, sleep, stress management and antioxidant supplements. Ethics and dissemination The study has been approved by the Regional Committee on health research ethics and complies with the General Data Protection Regulation. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before enrolment. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals, conference presentations, trial registry reporting, and communication with participants and relevant stakeholders.

Effectiveness of Live Motile Sperm Sorting Device on IVF Outcomes in Advanced Paternal Age

Male infertility contributes significantly to infertility, particularly in advanced paternal age men where sperm DNA fragmentation is increased. Conventional density gradient centrifugation may induce oxidative stress and sperm damage. LensHooke® CA0 is a centrifugation-free sperm sorting device designed to improve sperm quality and reduce DNA fragmentation. This prospective comparative study evaluates the effectiveness of CA0 versus conventional density gradient centrifugation on post-processing sperm quality, DNA fragmentation index, blastocyst formation, euploid embryo rate, and clinical pregnancy outcomes in IVF/ICSI cycles involving men aged 40 years or older

Royal Jelly Supplementation in Unexplained Male Infertility

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigates the effects of oral Royal Jelly supplementation on sperm DNA fragmentation and pregnancy rates in couples with unexplained infertility. While routine semen analysis appears normal (normozoospermia) in these patients, underlying Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF) and oxidative stress are believed to contribute to reproductive failure. Participants will be randomized to receive either 750 mg of lyophilized Royal Jelly or a placebo daily for a period of 3 months (90 days). The study aims to evaluate whether the antioxidant properties of Royal Jelly can improve sperm chromatin integrity, reduce oxidative stress markers, and increase spontaneous pregnancy rates compared to the control group

Zonulin Levels in Varicocele Patients

This prospective cross-sectional observational study was designed to evaluate serum and seminal plasma zonulin levels in infertile men with clinically diagnosed varicocele and compare them with those in infertile men without varicocele. The study also aimed to investigate the association between zonulin concentrations and conventional semen parameters. A total of 119 men evaluated for infertility between December 2022 and May 2023 were included. Participants were classified into two groups according to the presence or absence of clinically diagnosed varicocele. Serum and seminal plasma zonulin concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Conventional semen parameters, including semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, and normal sperm morphology, were evaluated and compared between the study groups.

A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effects of a Supplement on Markers of Male Fertility

This study will evaluate the effects of the WeNatal For Him supplement on markers of male fertility over a 3-month period. The trial is a single-arm, unblinded study enrolling 40 male participants who will take 3 capsules of the test product daily in the morning with their first meal. Participants will complete questionnaires at Baseline, Month 1, Month 2, and Month 3. Semen analysis will be conducted at home at Baseline and Month 3, and blood testing will be performed at a local Labcorp location at Baseline and Month 3. The primary focus is on sperm quality parameters and testosterone levels, while secondary endpoints capture participants' perceptions of changes in reproductive and sexual health, including energy and libido.

Effect of Varicocelectomy on Spermatogenic Cell Count and Semen Parameters

This study aims to evaluate how varicocele surgery (varicocelectomy) affects the number of immature sperm cells (spermatogenic cells) found in the semen of infertile men. Varicocele, an abnormal dilation of veins in the scrotum, is a common cause of male infertility that can negatively impact semen quality and overall testicular function. While surgery is widely performed to improve standard semen parameters, this study specifically investigates its impact on the shedding of immature germ cells into the seminal fluid, which can be an indicator of impaired sperm production. Researchers will enroll 40 infertile married men, aged 20 to 45, who have been diagnosed with a clinical varicocele and exhibit abnormal semen parameters. All participants will undergo a single surgical intervention known as a subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy. To measure the effects of the surgery, participants will undergo careful semen analysis before the procedure, and again at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The primary goal is to track changes in the spermatogenic cell count and abnormal sperm morphology, and to explore how these changes correlate with conventional semen parameters like sperm concentration, motility, and vitality.

Assessing the Correlation Between Phospholipase C Zeta Measurements and Semen Parameters

With declining fertility rates Worldwide, Assisted Reproductive Technology is seen as a viable solution for infertility, however, individual success rates following ART remain relatively low, rarely exceeding \~50%. The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) indicates pregnancy rates per embryo transfer remain below 50%. Additionally, male infertility is regarded as a leading contributor to global infertility with approximately a third of cases attributed to genetic causes while half of the cases remain unexplained. In this observational study we investigate the correlation between phospholipase C Zeta (PLCζ ) measurements and semen parameters. PLCζ is a sperm-specific protein which is introduced into a mature egg (oocyte) following gamete fusion and upon introduction, PLCζ is believed to initiate a series of characteristic calcium ion oscillations which lead to oocyte activation and persist beyond the completion of meiosis. Mounting evidence implicates defects in PLCζ in cases of male factor infertility where intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI; whereby a single sperm is injected into the oocyte) is unsuccessful. Furthermore, defects in PLCζ are also increasingly implicated in cases of male sub-fertility, which affects a much larger proportion of the global population. Numerous studies now indicate that PLCζ not only holds significant value as a therapeutic to rescue cases of ICSI failure, but also as a prognostic diagnostic test of male fertility. Indeed, the reduction or absence of normal PLCζ within sperm has been linked to cases of male factor infertility in humans, either due to inactivation through mutation, due to abrogation of protein levels in sperm as a result of mutation in the PLCζ promoter, or mutations within coding exonic regions of the PLCζ gene. Such data indicate both therapeutic, and diagnostic applications for PLCζ within the fertility clinic. This study seeks to determine the effect of abnormal PLCζ on semen parameters and correlate that with downstream events including clinical pregnancy and live birth rates.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Letrozole, L-Carnitine, and Their Combination on Sperm Quality, Oxidative Stress, and ART Outcomes in Men With Idiopathic Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

This is a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of Letrozole, L-Carnitine, and their combination on sperm quality, oxidative stress, and ART outcomes in men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Single Infrapubic Versus Bilateral Subinguinal Microsurgical Varicocelectomy

Bilateral varicocele is commonly treated by microsurgical varicocelectomy. The conventional bilateral subinguinal approach usually requires two separate skin incisions, one on each side. A single midline infrapubic approach may allow bilateral microsurgical repair through one incision and may reduce access-related morbidity. This prospective randomized controlled trial will compare single infrapubic microsurgical bilateral varicocelectomy with conventional bilateral subinguinal microsurgical varicocelectomy in adult men with clinically palpable bilateral varicocele. The study will evaluate postoperative pain, analgesic requirement, time to return to normal daily activity, operative time, scar satisfaction, wound complications, recurrence, and other safety outcomes during follow-up.

Development of an AI Platform for the Analysis of Sperm and Prediction of Their Clinical Potential

Prospective, multicenter research study with a split-sample design on semen samples, without intervention, to develop an artificial intelligence platform for the analysis of sperm samples and prediction of their clinical potential, in 500 semen samples, in an in vitro study over 24 months.

Relationship Between Sperm Head Vacuoles and Sperm DNA Alterations in Infertile Men

In men presenting sperm alterations, the selection of genetically undamaged spermatozoa need to be improved in order to increase the success of assisted reproduction treatments. The aim of this study is to determine whether the presence of sperm head vacuoles is associated with sperm DNA alterations.

Male Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technologies Research Biobank

The objective of this research is to build a biobank of biological male specimens used for diagnostics and treatment of infertility or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Selective Extended Venous Stripping Versus Standard Microsurgical Varicocelectomy for Varicocele-Related Male Infertility

Varicocele is a common correctable cause of male infertility and may be associated with abnormal semen parameters, impaired testicular function, and scrotal discomfort. Microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy is a commonly used surgical approach because it allows careful preservation of the testicular artery, lymphatic channels, vas deferens, and vasal vessels under magnification. However, persistent or recurrent varicocele may still occur after surgery, possibly because of missed or persistent venous channels. This randomized controlled trial will compare two surgical techniques in infertile men with clinically palpable varicocele and abnormal semen parameters. Participants will be randomly assigned to either microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy with selective extended venous stripping or standard microsurgical subinguinal varicocelectomy with conventional vein ligation and division. The main purpose of the study is to determine whether selective extended venous stripping reduces the rate of clinically and Doppler-confirmed persistent or recurrent varicocele at 12 months after surgery compared with the standard microsurgical technique. The study will also compare semen parameter improvement, pain improvement in participants with baseline pain, pregnancy outcomes, operative time, postoperative complications, and the need for additional treatment during 12 months of follow-up.

Comparison of Two Types of Calcium (Ca²⁺) Ionophore Treatments for Oocyte Activation in Cases of Suboptimal Fertilization Potential

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness and safety of assisted oocyte activation (AOA) using Ca²⁺ ionophores in cases of total fertilization failure (TFF) due to oocyte activation deficiency (OAD). The study will be conducted in two phases: Phase I will compare the fertilization rates of oocytes exposed to two types of Ca²⁺ ionophore treatments- Ionomycin solution and commercially available CultActive-against a control group without calcium ionophore treatment. Phase II will assess whether an additional injection of CaCl2, prior to exposure to the chosen ionophore from Phase I, further improves fertilization outcomes. The goal is to identify the optimal AOA protocol for improving fertilization rates and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this approach in relation to ploidy, with a focus on ensuring normal pre-implantation embryo development.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Aneuploidy (PGT-A) in Couples With Non-obstructive Azoospermia (NOA)

Objective: To examine the rate of embryo aneuploidy in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) who utilize in-vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and compare live birth rates with the utilization of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) vs non PGT-A.

Comparison of the Effect of Gonadotropin and Clomiphene Citrate Treatment on Sperm Parameters and the Outcome of Assisted Reproductive Procedures in Subfertile Men Based on the APHRODITE Groups

Men enrolled in the study are assigned to each APHRODITE group. Group 2,3,4 are treated with either gonadotropin preparations or clompihene-citrate (except group 4). The type of the treatment (gonadotropin vs clomiphene) is randomized. After treatment, hormonal measurements, spermiogram and DNA fragmentation tests are repeated, allowing for analysis of the outcome.

Intratesticular Artery Resistive Index Changes After Varicocelectomy

This study aims to evaluate how blood flow inside the testicles changes after surgery to correct a varicocele, and whether these changes correlate with improvements in semen quality and testosterone levels. Varicocele is a common, treatable cause of male infertility that can negatively affect testicular function by altering blood flow and temperature. While surgery (varicocelectomy) often improves fertility, doctors are continually looking for ways to predict which patients will benefit the most from the procedure. This study uses scrotal color Doppler ultrasound to measure the Intratesticular Artery Resistive Index (RI), which is an indicator of blood flow resistance and microvascular health, before and after surgery. Researchers will recruit 40 infertile men with clinically palpable varicoceles. Participants will undergo a baseline evaluation that includes a physical exam, semen analysis, a blood test for total testosterone, and a specialized ultrasound to measure the RI under different physical conditions (lying down, standing, and during a Valsalva maneuver/bearing down). All participants will then undergo a microscopic sub-inguinal varicocelectomy, which is the standard microsurgical treatment. Three months after the surgery, participants will return for follow-up testing to repeat the semen analysis, testosterone blood test, and ultrasound. The main goal of the study is to determine if pre-operative RI measurements can serve as an early, reliable predictor of surgical success, specifically looking at the recovery of testicular function, sperm parameters, and hormonal levels.

Effect of Daily Intake of Gazpacho on Semen Quality and Oxidative Stress

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether drinking a daily serving of gazpacho can improve semen quality in men with reduced sperm quality. The study will also examine how this dietary intervention affects oxidative stress and whether it is well tolerated. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does daily consumption of gazpacho improve semen quality in men with altered semen parameters? * Does this dietary intervention affect levels of oxidative stress in semen? * Is daily gazpacho intake feasible and well tolerated as part of a Mediterranean diet? Researchers will compare a Mediterranean diet plus daily gazpacho intake with a Mediterranean diet alone to determine whether adding gazpacho provides additional benefits for male reproductive health. Participants will: * Follow a standardized Mediterranean diet for 12 weeks * Drink 330 mL of gazpacho every day or follow the diet without gazpacho * Provide semen samples at the start of the study and after 12 weeks * Complete a short diary to record adherence to the dietary intervention * Be followed for up to 18 months to record reproductive outcomes