Efficacy of levocarnitine combined with tadalafil in treating oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia: effects on serum sex hormones and sexual function.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combining levocarnitine with tadalafil in treating oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia and to analyze its effects on serum sex hormone levels and sexual function.

METHODS

A total of 80 patients diagnosed with oligozoospermia or asthenozoospermia at our hospital between March 2023 and February 2024 were randomly divided into two groups, A and B, with 40 patients each. Group A received levocarnitine combined with tadalafil, while Group B was administered levocarnitine alone. Both groups continued the regimen for 3 months. Parameters such as serum sex hormones [testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)], sexual function [assessed via the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)], and semen quality [including semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm viability, and progressive motility (PR)] were measured pre- and post-treatment. Efficacy rates and adverse reactions were also recorded and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Post-treatment, both groups showed significant increases in serum T levels, all domains of IIEF scores (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction), semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm viability, and PR (p < 0.001). Group A demonstrated significantly better results than Group B in all these parameters (p < 0.05). Differences in LH and FSH levels between the groups after treatment were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The total efficacy rate was significantly higher in Group A (87.50%) compared to Group B (67.50%) (p < 0.05). Adverse reactions occurred in 10% of Group A and 5% of Group B, with no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of levocarnitine and tadalafil shows significant efficacy and safety in treating oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia, effectively enhancing serum testosterone levels, sexual function, and semen quality.