Semen quality and reproductive hormone profiles in male patients presenting to Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital

Abstract

This retrospective cross-sectional study assessed the relationship between reproductive hormones and semen quality in 4,342 men attending the Andrology Clinic, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital (2023 – 2024). Data included age, semen parameters (WHO 2021 criteria), and serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and prolactin. The mean age was 30.6 ± 5.0 years old. Elevated LH correlated negatively with sperm motility, viability, and morphology (ρ = –0.08 to –0.18; p < 0.001). Higher FSH mainly predicted reduced sperm concentration (ρ = –0.15; p < 0.001). Testosterone showed weak positive associations with semen volume, concentration, viability, and morphology, whereas prolactin within physiological levels had no significant effect. These findings confirm differential hormonal impacts on semen quality, particularly the detrimental roles of elevated LH and FSH. Endocrine assessment combined with semen analysis should be considered essential in evaluating male infertility to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.