The effect of selenium therapy on semen parameters in infertile men with varicocele

Abstract

Oxidative stress and varicocele have been linked to male infertility. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of selenium therapy on semen parameters in infertile men with varicocele. Forty infertile men with varicocele (Group 1) and forty infertile men without varicocele (Controls, Group 2) with oligoasthenospermia who fulfilled the selection criteria were included in the study. All participants received selenium (200 µg/day) orally for three months. Seminal fluid analysis (WHO 5th criteria) was performed at baseline and after three months of selenium treatment. The results were compared between groups before and after therapy. Following three months of selenium therapy, sperm progressive motility significantly increased in patients with and without varicocele (P<0.01, P<0.05 respectively; 32.7% change vs. 24.1% respectively) but the improvement was higher in patients with varicocele. Similarly, sperm total motility significantly increased in patients with and without varicocele (P<0.01, P<0.05 respectively; 23.6% change vs. 12.6% respectively) and the increment was higher in infertile men with varicocele. Sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology; however, did not significantly change before and after selenium therapy. In conclusion, treatment of infertile men with varicocele and oligoasthenospermia with selenium (200 µg/day) for 3 months improves sperm progressive and total motility and the increment is higher than in infertile men without varicocele. Thus, selenium could be an adjuvant treatment for varicocele-associated male infertility.

Keywords

• Selenium
• male infertility
• varicocele

References

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