Inhibin-B and FSH Are Good Indicators of Spermatogenesis but Not the Best Indicators of Fertility

Abstract

Biochemical markers of spermatogenesis and fertility assessment are important in the practical management of infertile males and the determination of an individual’s prognosis. We performed an analysis on 100 males with a male infertility factor. The following study inclusion parameters were analyzed: seminogram, FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, TSH, and inhibin B concentrations. The patients were subsequently treated by reproductive endocrinologists in accordance with AUA/ASRM and EAU guidelines. The reproductive status was evaluated over a period of 3 years. We found a strong correlation of sperm count with inhibin B (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and FSH concentration levels (r = −0.46, p < 0.001). Among 95 patients at follow-up, pregnancies occurred for 59 of their partners (48 spontaneous, 5 after IVF–ET, and 6 after IUI). Thirty-six patients remained childless despite the therapy. Sperm count and inhibin B level were the best predictors of natural fertilization (ROC AUC: 0.86 and 0.84; cut-off: 2.7 mln/mL and 45 pg/mL). Although inhibin B and FSH can be used to evaluate spermatogenesis and fertility, the initial sperm concentration appeared to be the best predictor of success. Pregnancy was achieved in a surprisingly large proportion of patients with a very low concentration of inhibin B and a low initial sperm count. It is noteworthy that 81% of the pregnancies were achieved without medically assisted reproduction.