Appropriate cut-off value for follicle-stimulating hormone in azoospermia to predict spermatogenesis

Abstract

Abstract Background This study was undertaken to determine the optimal cut-off value for FSH to predict the presence of spermatogenesis in patients with non-obstructive azoospermia. Methods A total of 206 non-obstructive azoospermic men were enrolled in this prospective study. By using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, we determined the optimal cut-off value for FSH and evaluated whether the test could adequately predict successful sperm retrieval. Results There were 108 non-obstructive azoospermic patients who had evidence of spermatogenesis (group A) and achieved success in sperm retrieval. Another 98 non-obstructive azoospermic patients (group B) failed in sperm retrieval. The mean value of serum FSH in group B was significantly higher than in group A (28.03 +/- 14.56 mIU/mL vs 7.94 +/- 4.95 mIU/mL, p Conclusions Elevated plasma levels of FSH of more than 19.4 mIU/mL could be used as a reliable criterion for a trial of sperm retrieval from testes in artificial reproductive techniques.