Gene mutation may unlock L-Carnitine's power for sperm health
NCT ID NCT07402759
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study looks at whether men with a specific gene mutation (TDRD9) get more benefit from L-carnitine, a common supplement, to improve sperm count and movement. About 50 men with low sperm count and motility will take L-carnitine for 3 months. Researchers will compare changes in sperm quality between those with and without the mutation to see if genetics can guide personalized infertility treatment.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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50 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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20 to 50 years
- Sex
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Male participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria Male participants aged 20-50 years Clinical diagnosis of oligoasthenozoospermia, confirmed by two semen analyses according to WHO 2010/2021 criteria: Sperm concentration \<15 million/mL, and Progressive motility \<32% Attempting conception with a partner for ≥12 months, or referred for infertility evaluation Willing and able to take oral L-carnitine and comply with all study visits and procedures Able and willing to provide written informed consent, including consent for genetic testing (TDRD9 analysis) Exclusion Criteria Known obstructive azoospermia Grade III varicocele requiring surgical correction, unless repaired ≥6 months prior to enrollment Use of fertility supplements or hormonal therapy within the 3 months prior to enrollment (washout required) Active genitourinary infection (e.g., prostatitis) or systemic illness known to affect fertility Known severe systemic disease, including uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or severe hepatic or renal disease Known hypersensitivity or allergy to L-carnitine History of testicular cancer or receipt of chemotherapy within the past 2 years
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Qena university hospital
Cairo, Egypt
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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