Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Testosterone Levels and Their Correlation with Sperm Concentration and Motility In Male Partners of Infertile Couples

INTRODUCTION: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and testosterone are the prime regulators of germ cell development. The successful and complete male germ cell development and function is dependent on the balanced interplay of these hormones along with others. This study was undertaken to assess and correlate the serum levels of FSH and testosterone along with the sperm concentration and sperm motility in males of infertile couples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective descriptive study, serum FSH and testosterone levels were estimated in 24 male partners of couples presenting with infertility at the out-patient clinic of a rural tertiary care medical college hospital. Microscopy of the semen to assess sperm concentration and motility according to the WHO criteria was done for all enrolled patients. RESULTS: The serum FSH and testosterone levels were classified according to normal ranges. Seven (29.2%) patients had low FSH levels and 17 (70.8%) had normal FSH levels. Seven (29%), 13 (54%) and 4 (16.7%) patients had low, normal and high levels of serum Testosterone. The sperm concentration, progressive and total motility was classified according to the WHO criteria. Fifteen (62.5%) patients had normal semen microscopy findings. Three (12.5%) patients had asthenozoospermia and 6 (25%) had oligoasthenozoospermia. A significant correlation was found between FSH levels and sperm progressive motility (r=0.406, p=0.049). A significant correlation was also found between the sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility (r=0.432, p=0.035). CONCLUSION: FSH levels directly correlate with sperm progressive motility. Sperm concentration also correlates significantly with sperm progressive motility. Larger studies may be required to validate this result. KEY WORDS: Male infertility, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Testosterone, Semen analysis