A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effect of traditional Chinese medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong pill on improving semen qualities in men with suboptimal parameters

Background In Hong Kong, one of six couples is affected by subfertility problems. Male infertility contributes to half of the infertility cases. In male infertility, there is no effective treatment for patients with idiopathic infertility/poor semen parameters. Recent meta-analysis results suggest that a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula — Wuzi Yanzong pill — showed a curative effect on male fertility. However, the heterogeneity of the studies could not draw a definitive conclusion on the therapeutic effect of this formula. The aim of this study is to conduct a well-designed randomized controlled trial to investigate the effect of TCM formula Wuzi Yanzong pill on improving semen qualities in men with suboptimal parameters.