[Testicular histology in the aging man].

In aged men beyond 50 years--regardless of claims of impotence or infertility--testicular biopsies are discussed. Generally speaking all biopsies show more or less histological changes due to old age. Reduced spermatogenesis, fibrosis of tubule walls and retrogression of Leydig cells are mostly seen. The morphological changes in Leydig cells reflect the usual cell failure more convincably than the decrease in number. Selected microphotographs represent characteristic biopsies in old age. These findings confirm the previous results of other investigators. The various histological changes explain the different intensity and the variety of the claims in aged men as definite signs for male climacteric.