15 papers reviewed
Male Factor (Restorative Approaches)
2014 · Cochrane review · 1 of 15
Antioxidants for male subfertility
Showell MG et al. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Antioxidant supplementation in subfertile men showed 2-3 fold increase in odds of pregnancy and live birth. No increase in miscarriage rate. 105 clinical pregnancies from ~800 couples favored antioxidant group.
Read the paper ↗2022 · network meta-analysis · 2 of 15
Effect of antioxidants on sperm quality parameters in subfertile men: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Various · Advances in Nutrition
Network meta-analysis of antioxidants for male subfertility. No single antioxidant emerged as most effective; combinations of CoQ10, carnitine, zinc, selenium, and vitamins C/E showed benefits for sperm parameters.
Read the paper ↗2025 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 3 of 15
Does coenzyme Q10 improve semen quality and circulating testosterone level? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Various · Andrology
CoQ10 supplementation significantly increased total sperm count, motility (total and progressive), and normal morphology. Also increased serum testosterone and inhibin B. Best results with 6-month treatment.
Read the paper ↗2025 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 4 of 15
Efficacy and safety of coenzyme Q10 in idiopathic male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Various · World Journal of Men's Health
CoQ10 significantly improves sperm concentration, seminal volume, total motility, and seminal CoQ10 levels in idiopathic male infertility, particularly with 6-month administration.
Read the paper ↗2025 · systematic review · 5 of 15
Impact of varicocele on pregnancy and live birth outcomes in men with clinical varicocele: systematic review of controlled studies
Various · World Journal of Men's Health
Varicocele repair significantly enhances semen quality and fertility potential. Approximately 2-fold increase in odds of pregnancy and 2.8x odds of live birth after repair.
Read the paper ↗2024 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 6 of 15
Impact of varicocele repair on assisted reproductive technique outcomes in infertile men: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Various · World Journal of Men's Health
Varicocele repair improved fertilization rate (MD 10.9%), clinical pregnancy rate (OR 1.38), and live birth rate (OR 2.07) in ICSI. Should be offered as first-line treatment in clinical varicocele.
Read the paper ↗2024 · review · 7 of 15
Clomiphene citrate treatment as an alternative therapeutic approach for male hypogonadism: mechanisms and clinical implications
Various · Pharmaceuticals (MDPI)
Clomiphene citrate for male hypogonadism: 64% of men had >50% increase in total motile ejaculate count, with average 5.8-fold increase in sperm concentration. Preserves fertility unlike testosterone replacement.
Read the paper ↗2025 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 8 of 15
Clomiphene or enclomiphene citrate for the treatment of male hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Various · Reproductive Sciences
Clomiphene/enclomiphene citrate significantly improved testosterone levels and sperm parameters while maintaining or improving fertility potential, unlike traditional TRT.
Read the paper ↗2025 · cross-sectional · 9 of 15
Lifestyle and hormonal factors affecting semen quality and sperm DNA integrity: a cross-sectional study
Various · PMC
Smoking, alcohol, and elevated BMI negatively impact sperm parameters. Combined tobacco/alcohol use showed cumulative detrimental effects on progressive motility. Obesity correlated negatively with sperm concentration and testosterone.
Read the paper ↗2023 · cohort · 10 of 15
Smoking induces a decline in semen quality and the activation of stress response pathways in sperm
Various · Antioxidants (MDPI)
Dose-dependent adverse effect on semen quality: >20 cigarettes/day or >10 years of smoking caused significant decline in sperm concentration, total count, and motility.
Read the paper ↗2020 · systematic review · 11 of 15
L-carnitine and L-acetylcarnitine supplementation for idiopathic male infertility
Various · Reproduction and Fertility
L-carnitine supplementation significantly improved sperm motility (total +10.4%, forward +13.5%) and normal morphology (+1.78%). Ranked first for motility improvement in network meta-analysis of 23 RCTs.
Read the paper ↗2025 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 12 of 15
Therapeutic potential of carnitine and N-Acetyl-Cysteine supplementation on sperm parameters and pregnancy outcomes in idiopathic male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Various · Reproductive Sciences
Meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (1453 men): L-carnitine/NAC improved sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Significant improvement in pregnancy rate. Supports combination antioxidant approach.
Read the paper ↗2016 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 13 of 15
Zinc levels in seminal plasma and their correlation with male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Various · Scientific Reports
Seminal plasma zinc was significantly lower in infertile men vs controls. Zinc supplementation improved sperm concentration and morphology. Important for seminal antioxidant defense.
Read the paper ↗2020 · RCT · 14 of 15
Effect of folic acid and zinc supplementation in men on semen quality (FAZST trial)
Schisterman EF et al. · JAMA
Large RCT found no significant differences in semen quality with folic acid + zinc supplementation vs placebo. Important null finding that tempers enthusiasm for these specific supplements.
Read the paper ↗2022 · systematic review / meta-analysis · 15 of 15
The effect of nutrients and dietary supplements on sperm quality parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Various · Advances in Nutrition
Comprehensive meta-analysis of nutrient effects on sperm. Selenium, zinc, omega-3, CoQ10, and carnitine showed various improvements. No single nutrient superior; combination approaches may be most effective.
Read the paper ↗A paper's presence documents the evidence reviewed; it does not mean Filia endorses every intervention or conclusion.