Testicular Level - Causes of Male infertility
Key points
- Conditions that cause infertility that act at the testicular level are listed in Table 42-12.
- Abnormalities in chromosomal constitution are well-recognized causes of male infertility.
- Unlike most pretesticular conditions, which are treatable with hormone manipulation, testicular effects are, at present, largely irreversible.
- If sperm are observed, however, assisted reproductive technology can provide biological children for affected men.
Conditions that cause infertility that act at the testicular level are listed in Table 42-12. Unlike most pretesticular conditions, which are treatable with hormone manipulation, testicular effects are, at present, largely irreversible. If sperm are observed, however, assisted reproductive technology can provide biological children for affected men.
Chromosomal Causes
Abnormalities in chromosomal constitution are well-recognized causes of male infertility. In a study of 1263 infertile couples, a 6.2% overall incidence of chromosomal abnormalities was detected. Among men whose sperm count was < 10 million/mL, the incidence was 11%. In azoospermic men, 21% had significant chromosomal abnormalities. For this reason, cytogenetic analysis (karyotype) of autosomal and sex chromosomal anomalies should be considered in men with severe oligospermia and azoospermia.
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Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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