Relationships between spermatogenesis and serum hormone levels in subfertile men.

The measurements of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone were related to the sperm concentration and testicular biopsy in 137 subfertile men. The biopsies were classified into four histological groups: normal, focal tubular atrophy, maturation arrest and Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. A positive correlation was found between sperm concentration and the histological grade of spermatogenesis. FSH was directly related to the spermatogenesis and the values were significantly raised in maturation arrest and Sertoli-cell-only syndrome. This relationship was present, but to a much lesser extent, for LH. Serum testosterone levels remained unchanged and no relationship between testosterone and either sperm concentration or testicular biopsy was observed. These data indicate the value of FSH in the investigation of the subfertile male, but suggest that the routine measurement of testosterone is unnecessary.