Fertility Considerations in Hypogonadal Men

Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2022 Mar;51(1):133-148. doi: 10.1016/j.ecl.2021.11.009. Epub 2022 Feb 8.

Abstract

Hypogonadism can be present in up to 40% in men who present with couple infertility. Testosterone is the major androgen regulating-spermatogenesis in men; as a result, men with either primary or secondary hypogonadism may be subfertile because of impaired spermatogenesis. The clinical impact of hypogonadism on fertility potential depends on the timing of its onset (fetal, prepubertal, or postpubertal) and effect on semen parameters. Treatment pathways and success rates differ according to the cause of hypogonadism and the time of its onset. When medical therapy fails to induce sufficient sperm, assisted reproductive technologies are considered.

Keywords: Aromatase inhibitors; GnRH; Gonadotropins; Hormone stimulation; Hypogonadal men; Hypogonadism; Male infertility; SERM.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fertility
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism* / complications
  • Hypogonadism* / drug therapy
  • Infertility, Male* / complications
  • Infertility, Male* / therapy
  • Male
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Testosterone / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Testosterone