Male fertility in uremia: restoration by renal allografts

Spermatogenesis has been studied in eight chronic uremic patients on hemodialysis and in 11 recipients of well-functioning renal allografts. Sexual activity, semen analysis and testicular biopsy are abnormal in chronic uremic patients. Spermatogenesis remains "arrested" even when uremia is well controlled by intermittent hemodialysis. Marked improvement occurs in sexual performance, semen analysis and testicular biopsy after successful kidney transplantation. Immunosuppressive treatment, at dosages used six months after allografting, does not appear to affect male fertility adversely.