• PMID: 8943525
• Gene Name: FSH
• Condition: Azoospermia
• Association: It was concluded that 51.2% of the non-obstructive azoospermic and failed spermatogenetic patients had spermatids and even motile 'shaking' spermatozoa and should be re-evaluated. In the non-obstructive azoospermic patients here, almost all the motile spe
• Population size: 51
• Population details: 51 azoospermic patients
• Sex: Male
• Infertility type: Male infertility
• Other associated phenotypes: Male infertility

Reconsideration of testicular biopsy and follicle-stimulating hormone measurement in the era of intracytoplasmic sperm injection for non-obstructive azoospermia?

Chen CS, Chu SH, Lai YM, Wang ML, Chan PR.

To determine the possibility of finding motile spermatozoa and spermatids in patients with high serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and spermatogenetic disorders proven by pathology, 100 cases of male infertility were reviewed. Of these, 71 patients were found to have non-obstructive azoospermia or severe primary spermatogenetic disorders, and 20 had obstructive azoospermia. A prospective study of the most recent 51 cases was conducted. Multiple testicular tissue biopsies were examined by a pathologist and a well-trained gynaecological technician. The findings of spermatozoa, spermatids and serum FSH concentrations were compared among six different histological groups. It was concluded that 51.2% of the non-obstructive azoospermic and failed spermatogenetic patients had spermatids and even motile 'shaking' spermatozoa and should be re-evaluated. In the non-obstructive azoospermic patients here, almost all the motile spermatozoa and spermatids were found in patients with a serum FSH concentration of < 30 mIU/ml. It is suggested that a testicular biopsy should be conducted in every case of non-obstructive azoospermia and spermatogenetic disorder, even in those patients with elevated serum FSH concentrations. FAU - Chen, C S AU - Chen CS AD - Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. FAU - Chu, S H AU - Chu SH FAU - Lai, Y M AU - Lai YM FAU - Wang, M L AU - Wang ML