[Characteristics of male fertility (author's transl)]

Gynaecological and andrological investigation results were analysed in 100 childless couples attending a fertility clinic and where the women finally became pregnant. It was shown that there were no discriminating normal values of the ejaculate distinguishing male fertility and infertility, with the exception of azoospermia. One should rather speak of increased chances due to improvement in sperm count and quality. On the other hand, serum FSH concentration is a sensitive indicator of male fertility and was under 4 micrograms/l in 90% of all fathers. Reproductive functions of the women are of importance for male fertility inasmuch as with an optimal female cycle conception may occur even with unsatisfactory ejaculate.