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Stimulation of Spermatogenesis in Hypogonadotropic Men

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Male Hypogonadism

Part of the book series: Contemporary Endocrinology ((COE))

Abstract

New knowledge of genetic causes for congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and an expanded understanding of the physiologic principles of male reproductive health enable physicians to better classify and treat hypospermatogenesis in hypogonadotropic men. Nowadays, men with hypothalamic or pituitary disorders have an excellent prognosis for fertility restoration and for paternity by natural intercourse or using assisted reproductive techniques. Effective regimens of subcutaneous injections of hCG and FSH have been developed, and some men can be treated with GnRH using an infusion pump. Gonadotropin treatment is generally initiated by administering hCG for 3–6 months, and if men remain azoospermic, FSH is added. On the other hand, there is some evidence supporting beginning with hFSH. Testosterone or anabolic steroid use often causes azoospermia, and cessation of treatment results in spontaneous recovery of normal spermatogenesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, University of Münster, DomagkstraBe 11, 48129, Münster, Germany

    Julia Rohayem & Eberhard Nieschlag

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  1. Julia Rohayem
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Correspondence to Eberhard Nieschlag .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, D, University of Louisville Health Sciences, Louisville, USA

    Stephen J. Winters

  2. Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom

    Ilpo T. Huhtaniemi

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Rohayem, J., Nieschlag, E. (2017). Stimulation of Spermatogenesis in Hypogonadotropic Men. In: Winters, S., Huhtaniemi, I. (eds) Male Hypogonadism. Contemporary Endocrinology. Humana Press, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-53298-1_20

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