title: The effect of levonorgestrel and estrone rods on male reproductive function.
abstract: The effect on spermatogenesis of the implantation of six rods containing levonorgestrel and three estrone rods was studied in seven volunteers aged 32-40, with normal pre-treatment spermiogram. None of the subjects achieved azoospermia. The lowest sperm count was below 1 million/ml in three subjects and below 12 million/ml in the other four. Plasma FSH and testosterone were severely depressed during the study, but LH was only transiently depressed for the first two months. Four subjects recovered pre-treatment sperm counts in spite of the FSH levels below 1.5 mIU/ml and testosterone levels below 1 ng/ml, which is contradictory to the current concept on hormonal regulation of spermatogenesis.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004970:Estrone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009644:Norgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004970:Estrone; D009644:Norgestrel; D013739:Testosterone; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone