The Effects of Oral Myo-Inositol on Sperm Quality in Men with Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia: A Meta-Analysis

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

2 PhD Student of Reproductive Health, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.87836.6430

Abstract

Introduction: Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is one of the most common causes of male infertility, leading to significant alterations in sperm parameters. Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause cellular damage and reduce fertility. Myo-inositol (MYO) has been suggested to improve certain sperm parameters and mitigate the negative effects of ROS. This study was conducted with aim to evaluate the efficacy of myo-inositol-containing supplements on sperm parameters in men with OAT.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in Magiran, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, SID, and Google Scholar databases using Persian and English keywords (Male Infertility, Myo-Inositol, Sperm Quality, Sperm Motility, Randomized Controlled Trial, Meta-Analysis) and keywords with Boolean operators AND/OR. Data analysis was performed using Egger software. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using Cochran’s Q test and the I² index.
Results: Out of 23.250 identified articles, 10 studies entered the study, and among them, 4 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The analysis using fixed-effect model showed that myo-inositol supplementation was associated with significant improvements in sperm parameters: sperm motility (effect size: 2.66; 95% CI: 0.58–4.73), progressive motility (3.20; 1.44–4.96), sperm concentration (3.93; 2.64–5.41), and sperm morphology (6.19; 5.63–6.75).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that myo-inositol supplementation can significantly improve sperm parameters and male fertility in men with OAT, supporting its potential use as an effective adjunct in the management of male infertility associated with OAT.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 12
February 2026
Pages 92-109

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