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FSH treatment improves sperm function in patients after varicocelectomy
S Zarrilli1, L Paesano, A Colao
1Dipartimento di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Molecolare e Clinica, University of Napoli Federico II, Italy.
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
|May 9, 2000
Summary
Human FSH therapy after varicocele surgery significantly improved sperm quality, especially in men with lower initial sperm counts. Placebo treatment showed no such benefits, highlighting FSH
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility.
- Surgical correction (varicocelectomy) is a standard treatment.
- Post-surgical residual subfertility requires further management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of human Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) therapy in improving sperm parameters in patients post-varicocelectomy.
- To assess the impact of FSH on different baseline sperm quality groups.
Main Methods:
- 183 male patients (18-45 years) with idiopathic left varicocele, post-surgery, were studied.
- Patients were stratified into three groups based on sperm count (<10, 10-20, >20 million/ml).
- 115 patients received 3 months of human FSH (75 IU i.m. every other day); 68 received placebo.
Main Results:
- Group A (<10 million/ml) showed significant improvements in sperm count, motility, and cervical mucus penetration test (CMPT).
- Group B (10-20 million/ml) demonstrated significant enhancements in motility, viability, DNA integrity, and CMPT.
- Group C (>20 million/ml) exhibited significant improvement only in CMPT; the placebo group showed no changes.
Conclusions:
- Post-varicocelectomy FSH treatment can enhance spermatogenesis, particularly in men with poorer baseline sperm quality.
- FSH therapy appears to be a beneficial adjunct treatment for subfertile males after varicocele repair.
- Placebo had no significant effect on sperm parameters, supporting the efficacy of FSH.