Follicle-stimulating hormone treatment for male factor infertility

Fertil Steril. 2023 Feb;119(2):173-179. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.09.362. Epub 2022 Dec 5.

Abstract

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) treatment has been proven effective in stimulating spermatogenesis and improving the reproductive ability of men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, while the usefulness of such a treatment in infertile patients with normal pituitary function is restricted to a subgroup of responders that, however, cannot be identified by the current diagnostic tools before treatment. In this review we summarize the role played by FSH in the modulation of spermatogenesis, the effect of FSH treatment at a standard replacement dose and at higher dose on sperm parameters, spontaneous and in vitro fertilization pregnancy rates, and the efforts made to identify possible responders to FSH treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / pharmacology
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism* / diagnosis
  • Hypogonadism* / drug therapy
  • Infertility, Male* / diagnosis
  • Infertility, Male* / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Semen
  • Spermatogenesis

Substances

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Human