World J Mens Health.  2016 Dec;34(3):165-172. 10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.3.165.

Treatment of Leukocytospermia in Male Infertility: A Systematic Review

• Jung JH
• Kim MH
• Kim J
• Baik SK
• Koh SB
• Park HJ
• Seo JT

• KMID: 2364198
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.2016.34.3.165

Abstract

Male factors account for 20% to 50% of infertility cases, and infection in the genitourinary tract may play a contributing role in up to 15% of male infertility. Leukocytospermia is a well-known indicator of infection or inflammation in the male sex glands and the urogenital tract. Although great deal of effort has been expended to elucidate definite management strategies in infertile men with leukocytospermia, the gold standard of treatment remains unclear. Until recently, broad spectrum antibiotics and antioxidants have been used in the treatment of leukocytospermia for male infertility to eliminate infection and reduce reactive oxygen free radicals produced inside cellular mitochondria as a result of inflammation. The present review reveals that antibiotics might improve sperm parameters, the rate of resolution of leukocytospermia, the bacteriologic cure rate, and even the pregnancy rate, although some reports conflict. Antioxidants might also have clinical benefits for sperm function as shown by in vitro studies. However, the data are insufficient to conclude whether antibiotics and antioxidants for the treatment of infertile men with leukocytospermia are effective or not. Better designed investigations into leukocytospermia are needed.

Keyword

Infertility, male; Leukocyte; Semen analysis; Therapeutics

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antioxidants
Free Radicals
Humans
In Vitro Techniques
Infertility
Infertility, Male*
Inflammation
Leukocytes
Male
Male*
Mitochondria
Oxygen
Pregnancy Rate
Semen Analysis
Spermatozoa
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Antioxidants
Free Radicals
Oxygen

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Flow diagram of screened, excluded, and analyzed publications based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RCT: randomized controlled trials.

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  Fig. 2 Risk of bias summary for all included trials.

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