Endocrine Profile and Semen Characteristics in Men With Bilharzial Hepatic Fibrosis

Twelve men suffering from bilharzial hepatic fibrosis were evaluated with regard to their semen analyses and serum levels of FSH, LH, PRL, in addition to plasma testosterone (T) and estradiol E2. Semen analysis in the patient group showed a significant decrease in sperm counts compared with normal controls. Sperm motility and percentage of abnormal forms were not much affected. A significant increase of sera FSH and LH was found in hepatic patients together with a lowered T level. PRL and E2 levels were not significantly affected in the patient group compared with controls. The elevated seram FSH and LH together with the lowered level serum T would suggest a primary testicular dysfunction in cases of bilharzial hepatic fibrosis.