Fertility and the Microbiome

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age18-50
SponsorMedical University of Graz

About this trial

With this study, the investigators want to investigate the microbiome and human papilloma virus (HPV) status of couples with subfertility. The investigators want to gain information about association of female and male microbiome and its impact on fertility. HPV prevalence is high, and its impact on fertility has not been studied intensively. The investigators want to find out whether there is an association between HPV status and subfertility, vaginal and seminal microbiome and HPV status and the prevalence among our subfertile couples.

As part of this study, the investigators will perform a randomized placebo controlled double blind pilot study to investigate the association between altered sperm quality (impaired motility and elevated DNA fragmentation index), the seminal microbiome and whether intake of probiotics alters these parameters.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Couples (Males and females) with subfertility, primary or secondary infertility, or recurrent pregnancy loss.

Disqualifiers

unable to consent

diseases or conditions that might impact investigation

intake of probiotics, antibiotics within last 3 months

intake of nutritional supplements

Trial population

Couples (Males and females) with subfertility, primary or secundary infertility, or recurrent pregnancy loss.

Trial design

Design model

Cohort

Time perspective

Prospective

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Probiotics (Omnibiotic (R))

    Dietary supplement

    As intervention in the randomized placebo controlled double blind trial, 30 males will receive either probiotics or placebo once daily for 3 months. Sperm count and microbiome analysis before and after intervention will be performed.

Treatment groups

300 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups
Group A: Subfertile patients0 interventions
Group B: Subfertile males with elevated DNA fragmentation index and asthenozoospermia1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Seminal microbiome

16S-RNA sequencing; shotgun metagenomic sequencing

Time frame
3 months
2

Vaginal microbiome

16S-RNA sequencing; shotgun metagenomic sequencing

Time frame
1 month
3

Uterine microbiome

16S-RNA sequencing; shotgun metagenomic sequencing

Time frame
1 month
4

DNA-Fragmentation index

Rate of sperm with elevated DNA Fragmentation index

Time frame
3 months

Secondary outcomes

1

Hormone status of males and females - LH (Luteinizing hormone)

LH status

Time frame
3 months
2

Hormone status of males and females - FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)

FSH status

Time frame
3 months
3

Hormone status of males and females - Testosterone status

Testosterone status

Time frame
3 months
4

Hormone status of males and females - free Testosterone

free Testosterone status

Time frame
3 months

Other outcomes

Sponsors and contacts

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