Clomiphene Citrate in the Management of Infertility in Oligospermic Obese Men with Hypogonadism: Retrospective Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Obesity is a significant risk factor for hypogonadism and infertility that is further associated with reduced semen quality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC), prescribed for treating infertility, on serum testosterone and semen parameters, particularly in oligospermic obese hypogonadal men. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of data related to men (n = 53) who underwent CC treatment for infertility and hypogonadism (testosterone < 300 ng/dL) was performed. Patients with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and sperm concentration ≤ 15 × 106/mL were included for analysis. Results: The overall results showed that, in oligospermic obese men (n = 31), treatment with CC significantly improved baseline sperm concentration (4.5 ± 6.8 × 106/mL vs. 11.4 ± 15.5 × 106/mL, p < 0.05) and motility (31.5% ± 21.5% vs. 42.6% ± 14.7%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, subsequent examination of oligospermic hypogonadal obese men treated with CC (n = 13) revealed substantial improvements in baseline serum testosterone levels (193.8 ± 59.3 ng/dL vs. 332.7 ± 114.8 ng/dL, p < 0.05) along with an increase in sperm concentration, total motility, and normal morphology. Conclusions: The results of this retrospective study suggest that CC treatment not only improves chances of fertility outcomes by substantially improving semen parameters but also increases total serum testosterone levels in oligospermic obese men without any supplemental and expensive testosterone replacement therapy.