Role of low-dose estrogen-testosterone combination therapy in men with oligospermia

Fertil Steril. 1998 Oct;70(4):780-1. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(98)00273-8.

Abstract

Objective: To determine if low doses of estrogen and testosterone can improve the semen quality in oligospermic men.

Design: Prospective, nonrandomized, noncontrolled, clinical study.

Setting: Primary level care in private practice.

Patient(s): Fourteen physically healthy and androgenized oligospermic men were selected for the study.

Intervention(s): Combined low-dose estrogen-testosterone was administered orally for 4 months.

Main outcome measure(s): Semen parameters.

Result(s): Nine cases (64.2%) showed definite improvement in the semen quality, five cases (35.8%) did not show much improvement. The wives of three patients (21.4%) became pregnant within 6 months of the initiation of therapy.

Conclusion(s): Low-dose estrogen and testosterone may significantly improve the semen quality in men with oligospermia.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Estrogens / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oligospermia / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Rate
  • Prospective Studies
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Testosterone