Relationship between Spermatogenesis and Serum Gonadotropin Levels in Azoospermia and Oligospermia

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, the sperm count and the histologic appearance of the testis were studied in 56 patients with azoospermia or oligospermia. FSH is elevated in those cases of azoospermia where gametogenesis is arrested prior to spermatid differentiation. Serum FSH is normal, however, in most patients in whom spermatids and spermatozoa are detectable on testicular biopsy. There is no relationship between the sperm count and the concentration of serum FSH. No correlation exists between serum LH and either the sperm count or the stage of spermatogenesis as evaluated on testicular biopsy.