Abstract

In this study we aimed to evaluate any possible effect of acetyl-L-carnitine on sperm motility in patients with idiopathic asthenozoospermia.

42 patients with infertility and idiopathic asthenozoospermia with at least 2 years duration have been enrolled in this study. None of the patients had antisperm antibodies nor systemic disease, genital tract infection (including Chlamydia and Ureaplasma), clinically relevant or subclinical (found on Doppler study) varicocele, criptorchidism or orchitis. Sperm analysis was done by the same technician before the treatment and by the 3rd and 6th months after the treatment. All patients received 1 gram/day (two packages/day) of acetyl-L carnitine (ProxeedR, Sigma-Tau Pharm., Inc, USA) for 3 months.

Although the sperm concentration per mililiter were not elevated, sperm motility were enhanced remarkably at 3rd and 6th months after the treatment compared to the pre-treatment values (from 21,6%±1,1 to 35,2%±1,3 (p<0.001)). Three of the infertile couples had babies during the 6 months of follow-up.

Oral administration of acetyl-L-carnitine may improve sperm quality in idiopathic asthenozoospermia