Early Treatment of Cryptorchidism, Semen Quality and Testicular Endocrinology

Abstract

Purpose We evaluated the effect of patient age at treatment of cryptorchidism in relation to subsequent semen quality. Materials and Methods Semen analyses and hormonal evaluations were performed in 51 men who were treated for cryptorchidism at ages 10 months to 12 years. Results Sperm concentration was normal in 90 percent of the patients with unilateral and 50 percent with bilateral cryptorchidism. No patient treated before age 4 years had severe sperm defects. Elevated follicle-stimulating hormone levels indicated severe testicular damage. Conclusions Fertility is better in patients with bilateral cryptorchidism if treated before age 4 years. Age at treatment did not have a significant effect on semen quality in patients with unilateral cryptorchidism.