Wednesday 8 April 2009

Drug hope for male infertility

New research suggests that combining a common fertility drug with vitamin E can improve male sperm counts and increase pregnancy rates.

Researchers at Cairo University used clomiphene citrate (sometimes known by the brand name Clomid), which is often given to women to help them ovulate, along with vitamin E in their trial. Sixty men with fertility problems took part in the study, and half were given clomiphene citrate and vitamin E for six months whilst the others were given a placebo. The results showed that the men who had taken the combined drugs had higher sperm motility and concentration. The pregnancy rate for partners of these men was considerably higher at 37%, whilst the pregnancy rate for the partners of men who'd had the placebo was just 13%.

The scientists say more research is needed but in the meantime you can read more about the study in Fertility and Sterility. You will need to scroll down the page to get to the relevant research.

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