Stem Cell Therapy for Male and Female Infertility

Infertility affects an estimated 15% of couples worldwide, with both male and female factors contributing nearly equally to the problem. Conventional treatments—ranging from hormonal therapies and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) to surgical interventions—often carry high costs, variable success rates, and considerable emotional and physical burdens. Recently, however, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a promising regenerative approach to restore fertility by repairing damaged reproductive tissues, modulating immune responses, and promoting angiogenesis. At the Stem Cell & PRP Institute of L.A., under the expert guidance of Dr. Padra Gad Nourparvar—a UCLA graduate with a medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine and over 10 years of experience in regenerative medicine—we offer advanced intravenous (IV) MSC treatments for both male and female infertility, alongside other delivery modalities such as intranasal and intrathecal injections. Below, we delve into the scientific evidence, mechanisms, and clinical applications that underpin this innovative therapy.

Why Traditional Infertility Treatments Fall Short

• Female infertility often arises from ovarian insufficiency, endometrial damage, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or tubal blockages. Standard therapies like hormonal stimulation and IVF can be invasive, costly, and sometimes ineffective for severe cases.
• Male infertility is frequently due to low sperm count (oligospermia), poor motility, or azoospermia. Treatments such as hormonal manipulation or surgical sperm retrieval may not always address underlying testicular damage or fail to restore quality sperm production.

Despite technological advances, many patients still face repeated failed cycles, high miscarriage rates, or the side effects of hormonal regimens. There is a clear need for biological therapies that can repair and regenerate reproductive tissues rather than merely circumvent defects.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells:

Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent progenitors found in bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord. They offer three key therapeutic attributes:

1. Paracrine Signaling: MSCs secrete growth factors and cytokines that reduce inflammation, inhibit fibrosis, and stimulate native tissue repair.
2. Immunomodulation: By modulating T-cell responses and macrophage activity, MSCs create a favorable environment for tissue regeneration.
3. Differentiation Potential: Under specific cues, MSCs can differentiate into mesodermal lineages—bone, cartilage, and perhaps germ cell–like cells—offering potential to replace lost or damaged cells in ovaries and testes.

Intravenous delivery allows MSCs to home to sites of injury via circulation, making it a minimally invasive yet systemic approach. Our clinic primarily utilizes IV MSC infusion when targeting central reproductive regulatory axes.

Preclinical Evidence in Female Infertility

Ovarian Function Restoration

• Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) models in rodents treated with bone marrow–derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) demonstrated resumed estrous cycles, elevated estrogen levels, and improved follicle counts compared to controls.
• Endometrial Injury studies showed that MSCs engrafted into damaged uterine walls restored endometrial thickness, glandular density, and receptivity markers (estrogen and progesterone receptors), enhancing embryo implantation rates in animal models.

Enhancement of Oocyte Quality

Adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) secrete exosomes rich in microRNAs (miRNAs) that reduce oxidative stress and apoptosis in granulosa cells, critical for oocyte maturation. In one study, AD-MSC conditioned medium improved oocyte viability by over 30% in aged animal models compared to untreated groups. 

Clinical Trials and Human Studies in Women

• A Phase I trial administering autologous BM-MSCs intravenously in women with POF reported safety and resumed menstruation in 60% of participants at 6-month follow-up, with one patient achieving spontaneous pregnancy.
• Umbilical cord–derived MSC (UC-MSC) infusions in women with refractory thin endometrium undergoing IVF cycles resulted in a 45% increase in endometrial thickness and a 25% clinical pregnancy rate, compared to under 10% in historical controls.
• Case series using intraovarian and intravenous MSCs showed improvements in Anti‑Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels and antral follicle counts, suggesting enhanced ovarian reserve and potential IVF outcomes.

These pioneering human studies emphasize MSC therapy’s potential to rejuvenate ovarian function, offering hope to those who previously had limited options.

Preclinical Evidence in Male Infertility

Spermatogenesis and Testicular Repair

• Lead-induced Testicular Injury in animal models: BM-MSC transplantation restored sperm count and motility by up to 70% vs. untreated animal models, demonstrating clear protective and regenerative effects.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33823925/
• Chemotherapy‑induced Azoospermia models illustrated that UC‑MSCs infused intravenously homed to testes, reduced germ cell apoptosis, and partially restored spermatogenesis, as evidenced by histological analyses and sperm parameters.

Paracrine Effects on Germ Cell Niche

MSCs release exosomes carrying proteins and RNAs that modulate the testicular microenvironment—enhancing angiogenesis and supporting Sertoli cell function. In one study, MSC‑derived exosomes improved testosterone levels and testicular histology in toxin‑exposed rodents by over 50%. 

Clinical Studies in Men

• A pilot study on men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) receiving autologous BM‑MSC IV infusions reported detectable sperm in ejaculate in 3 out of 10 participants after 12 weeks, allowing subsequent procedures.
• Umbilical cord MSC trials in azoospermic patients demonstrated safety and elicited modest improvements in sperm density (mean increase of 3 million/mL) and motility over a 6‑month period. 

Early human data, while preliminary, support the feasibility of MSC therapy to kickstart spermatogenesis in otherwise refractory cases.

Why Intravenous Delivery?

• Systemic Reach: IV MSCs can traffic to both gonadal and central neuroendocrine targets, offering dual-site regenerative potential.
• Minimally Invasive: Avoids the risks of surgical administration while permitting repeated dosing if needed.
• Optimized Homing: Techniques such as preconditioning MSCs with cytokines enhance their expression of homing receptors (e.g., CXCR4), further improving engraftment at injury sites.

At our institute, we’ve refined IV protocols—adjusting cell dose, infusion rate, and adjunctive PRP—to maximize safety and therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse events.

Safety Profile and Regulatory Considerations

Extensive animal and human studies report no significant adverse events related to MSC IV infusions, with rare transient fever or mild infusion reactions. Long‑term follow‑up in POF trials showed no ectopic tissue formation or immunogenicity over one year.

Patient safety remains our top priority at every step of treatment.

Why Choose Stem Cell & PRP Institute of L.A.?

When it comes to cutting-edge fertility treatments using regenerative medicine, the Stem Cell & PRP Institute of L.A. stands out as a leader in the field. The clinic is directed by Dr. Padra G. Nourparvar, a physician with over a decade of experience in regenerative medicine. Dr. Nourparvar is a graduate of UCLA and earned his medical degree from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, followed by extensive training at some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, including UC Irvine, Mount Sinai, NYU, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), and Rusk Rehabilitation at NYU Langone. His multidisciplinary background ensures that patients receive not only innovative treatments but also comprehensive, evidence-based care tailored to their individual needs.

At our clinic, we offer a wide range of stem cell sources, including adipose-derived (fat) stem cells, bone marrow–derived cells, and umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. This flexibility allows us to match each patient with the most suitable cell type for their specific fertility challenge. We specialize in intravenous (IV) stem cell therapy, which enables systemic healing and cellular communication, but we also offer more specialized delivery methods such as intranasal, intrathecal, and intratympanic injections depending on the condition and therapeutic goals.

Our Los Angeles facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment in a clean, comfortable environment where patients can undergo treatment safely under professional supervision. What truly sets us apart is our personalized approach—we take time to understand your history, goals, and biology to craft a treatment plan that is unique to you, based on the latest scientific research and clinical evidence. This is not just fertility care—it’s regenerative fertility care that treats the root causes of reproductive dysfunction and empowers your body to heal and thrive.

Patient Journey: What to Expect

1. Initial Consultation: Comprehensive fertility evaluation, including hormone panels, imaging, and semen analysis (for men).
2. Customized Treatment Plan: Selection of MSC source (autologous vs. allogeneic), dosage, and delivery route.
3. Infusion Phase: IV MSC administration in a monitored setting, typically lasting 1–2 hours.
4. Adjunctive Therapies: Optional PRP boosters, hormone optimization, and lifestyle counseling.
5. Follow‑Up Assessment

The Future of Fertility Regeneration

Ongoing research is exploring MSC exosomes and combined biomaterial scaffolds to further enhance reproductive tissue regeneration. As the field evolves, the Stem Cell & PRP Institute of L.A. remains at the forefront—participating in clinical trials, collaborating with academic centers, and continually refining protocols to deliver the best possible outcomes.

Conclusion

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy, particularly via intravenous infusion, offers a biological repair strategy that addresses the root causes of reproductive dysfunction in both women and men. Backed by robust preclinical data and emerging clinical evidence, this regenerative approach holds promise for those who have exhausted conventional options.

At the Stem Cell & PRP Institute of L.A., led by Dr. Padra Nourparvar, we combine cutting-edge science, rigorous safety standards, and personalized patient care to help you reclaim hope and achieve your parenthood goals. Contact us today to learn if you’re a candidate for MSC therapy and start your journey toward a new generation of fertility solutions.

📞 Call us today at (310) 361-5480 to book your appointment or click here to schedule a consultation. 

References

1. Saeed Y, et al. Application of MSCs in female infertility disorders. Stem Cell Int. 2022. PMC
2. Chatzianagnosti S, et al. MSC protocols for ovarian regeneration. Life Sciences. 2024. PMC MDPI
3. Guo C, et al. Phase I trial of BM-MSCs in POF. Front Endocrinol. 2023. Frontiers
4. Hassan AI, et al. MSCs improve sperm parameters in lead-induced testicular injury. Neurosci Lett. 2014. PMC BioMed Central
5. Modanlou M. Stem cell transplantation for male infertility. PubMed. 2023. PubMed
6. Zhankina R, et al. MSC-derived exosomes for spermatogenesis. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2021. BioMed Central
7. Zhang YS, et al. UC-MSCs restore spermatogenesis in chemotherapy models. Biol Res. 2023. BioMed Centra