Disordered Spermatogenesis in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Maintenance Haemodialysis*

Summary: Testicular function has been evaluated in six patients with chronic renal failure undergoing maintenance dialysis. Spermatogenesis was impaired in six patients when quantitative cytological study of the testicular biopsy was employed. This impairment was mild in one patient, moderately severe in two and extreme in the remaining three patients. Concomitant elevation of serum FSH levels as measured by specific radio-immunoassay was associated only with the most severe impairment of spermatogenesis. Serum LH levels were elevated in the majority of patients and plasma testosterone levels were low in 50%. It is concluded that chronic renal failure significantly decreases testicular function, especially spermatogenesis.