The use of FSH in idiopathic male infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months or more of regular unprotected intercourse. Male factor is involved in 50% of infertile couples. Subnormal semen parameters can result from hypothalamic, pituitary or testicular disorders but in many cases no causes can be found. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) preparations are a well-known successful treatment in males affected by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), but they have been also used in idiopathic male infertility, when blood levels of FSH are within the range of laboratory. However, results are still controversial. Indeed, while numerous studies showed a significant improvement of semen parameters, others did not report the same results. Recently, several Authors have been investigating the association between FSH treatment and improvement of pregnancy rate, both spontaneous and after assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The aim of this article was to assess the effectiveness of FSH therapy in idiopathic male infertility, evaluating improvement of conventional and unconventional sperm parameters and pregnancy rate.