Causes of male infertility investigated

04-17-2006

The causes of male infertility were investigated.

"It was the aim of this study to assess whether the changes in the diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities have altered the epidemiology of male factor infertility in the last decade. From September 1999 to July 2003, 822 patients were evaluated for infertility in a University Hospital. We divided our infertility patients according to the clinical diagnosis," researchers in Brazil reported.

"Most of the patients presented with varicocele (n=282, 34.3%), idiopathic infertility (n=260, 31.6%), or had had seminal tract obstruction (n=85, 10.34%). Least common but equally important causes found were mumps (n=43, 5.23%), pyospermia (n=37, 4.5%), systemic diseases (n=36, 4.37%), testicular failure (n=34, 4.13%), cryptorchidism (n=14, 1.7%), ejaculatory dysfunction (n=11, 1.3%), genetics (n=9, 1.1%), endocrinopathies (n=4, .5%), testicular cancer (n=4, .5%), and testicular torsion (n=3, .36%)," explained F.F. Pasqualotto and colleagues, Universidade de Caxias do Sul.

The researchers concluded, "Even with the changes in reproductive healthcare in the last years, varicocele and seminal tract obstruction remain the leading causes of male infertility. However, clinicians should not forget other treatable causes of male infertility such as pyospermia, systemic diseases, or testicular cancer."

Pasqualotto and colleagues published their study in Urologia Internationalis (Clinical diagnosis in men undergoing infertility investigation in a University Hospital. Urol Int, 2006;76(2):122-125).

For additional information, contact F.F. Pasqualotto, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Rua Pinheiro Machado 2569, SL 23-24, Bairro Sao Pel, BR-95020172 Caxias Do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Publisher contact information for the journal Urologia Internationalis is: Karger, Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland.

Keywords: Caxias Do Sul, Brazil, Diagnostics, Endocrinology, Epidemiology, Genetics, Healthcare, Infertility, Men's Health, Oncology, Reproductive Health, Spermatozoa, Testicular Cancer, Testicular Carcinoma, Cancer Therapy, Varicocele, Vasectomy Reversal.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.