The Effect of L-carnitine supplement on seminal fluid parameters in males with infertility

Abstract

Background: Male infertility is a significant problem affecting 7.5% of the male population. Approximately 60% of these cases are idiopathic and related to sperm dysfunctions such as oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT).Aim: The aim of this study was to verify the effect of L-carnitine on sperm parameters in patients who presented with infertility.Patients and Methods: The clinical trial study conducted on a total 142 men but 8 patients with varicocele were excluded. So this study was conducted on the remainder 134 patients presenting with infertility due to idiopathic oligo-astheno-zoospermia (mean age± SD: 30.6 ± 6.07), who didn't use L-carnitine previously. Sample divided into 2 groupd (70 patients treated with L carnitine and 64 with placebo). L-carnitine was prescribed orally at a daily dose of 2 gm/day for 3 months. Before onset of drug intake and after the ending of the L-carnitine treatment, semen analysis was performed. Results: Seminal fluid analysis has been done before treatment and then 3 months after treatment. The mean values of sperm count, total motility and normal morphology of astheno-spermic and oligo-astheno-teratospermic were found significantly at (p<0.05). There is a trend toward an improvement in seminal fluid parameters was noted when comparing baseline with 3 months points in both the placebo and the carnitine arm.The results of the present study clearly demonstrated that L-carnitine at a daily dose of 2 gm/day for a treatment period of 3 months can improve sperm concentration, sperm count, percentage of actively motile sperm, and progressive motile sperm count among men with idiopathic oligo- and/or astheno-zoospermia.Conclusion: The present study concluded that L-carnitine at a daily dose of 2 gm/day for a treatment period of 3 months had positive effect and can be treat infertility.