Pentoxifylline (BL 191) by oral administration in the treatment of asthenozoospermia

The aim of this trial was to study the effects on semen of pentoxifylline administered chronically per os to patients with normogonadotropic asthenozoospermia. Fifteen infertile men (age 22 to 44 years) were incorporated. Each subject was submitted to a treatment with pentoxifylline per os at a dose of 1,200 mg per day during no less than four months (x plus or minus SE 6.6 plus or minus 0.7 months). Assessment of the results was performed by serial spermatograms performed during and up to three months after treatment. The results showed a significant improvement of the percentages of forwardly progressive spermatozoa and of live and motile spermatozoa. Five of the patients achieved a normalization of semen (frank improvement) and seven a significant improvement in comparison to the initial values. Pregnancy was obtained by two patients. Pentoxifylline could be a useful alternative for the treatment of patients with normogonadotropic asthenozoospermia.