Effects of probiotic supplementation on semen parameters after varicocelectomy: A randomized controlled trial

The use of probiotics in the treatment of infertility is a new area of research. In this study, our objective was to examine the efficacy of probiotic supplementation on semen parameters following varicocelectomy. We included infertile men in our study who were the candidates for subinguinal microscopic varicocelectomy. After the surgical procedure, the patients were randomly assigned into two groups: 38 individuals received probiotic supplementation (FamiLact®), while 40 individuals received a placebo for 3 months. We compared the preoperative semen parameters with the postoperative parameters to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplementation. A total of 78 patients were included in the study. The two groups were similar in terms of age, body mass index, infertility period, and semen parameters at baseline ( > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in sperm concentration (33.7 ± 22.5 vs. 21.1 ± 16.1 × 10 /mL, = 0.046), and the percentage of sperms with normal morphology (15.0 ± 8.9 vs. 12.0 ± 11.5, = 0.016) at 3 months favoring the probiotic group. Although the probiotic group exhibited higher values for semen volume and sperm motility at 3 months, the differences were not statistically significant ( = 0.897 and = 0.177, respectively). Our study demonstrates that the short-term use of probiotics after varicocelectomy can provide additional benefits in improving semen parameters. Probiotic supplements are cost-effective and well tolerated, making them a suitable option for enhancing the outcomes of varicocelectomy.