Retrospective analysis of factors affecting sperm retrieval with microscopic testicular sperm extraction in infertile men with Klinefelter syndrome: A multicentre study

Evaluation of the predictors of successful sperm retrieval of micro-TESE in cases with mosaic Klinefelter versus cases with non-mosaic Klinefelter: a prospective case series study

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the predictors of eventful microsurgical testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) from infertile men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 32.4 ± 6.3 years. The mean serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), total testosterone (TT), estradiol (E2) and prolactin were 34.38 ± 14.66, 18.92 ± 6.54, 3.18 ± 2.08, 28.2 ± 10, 11.56 ± 5.09, respectively. The mean right (Rt) testicular and left (Lt) testicular volumes were 2.17 ± 0.83 ml, 2.2 ± 0.89 ml, respectively. Mosaic KS patients showed highly significant TT compared to non-mosaic KS patients. Twenty-six patients out of 50 patients (52%) showed mature sperm in wet preparation, whereas the sperm retrieval rate (SRR) of the patients with mosaic and non-mosaic KS was (57.1) % and (32.1) %, respectively. SR was significantly associated with testicular volume > 2 ml, total testicular volume > 5 ml and LH < 21.29 IU/L (p 0.007, 0.005, 0.044, respectively). FISH testing results showed that higher 46xy and lower 47xxy were significantly associated with successful sperm retrieval (p 0.014, 0.015, respectively). Rt and Lt testicular volumes, total testicular volume, LH and FISH could significantly predict successful SR. No statistically significant correlations were found between micro-TESE and age, serum FSH, serum TT, E2, prolactin. Further, receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve showed Rt and Lt testicular volumes and total testicular volume and LH level and 46xy could significantly predict successful SR with p 0.007, 0.007, 0.005 and 0.044 and 0.015, respectively. Moreover, the cutoff point and sensitivity and specificity and positive and negative predictive values for Rt and Lt testicular volumes were as follows 2 ml, 73.1%, 61.4%, 52.78, 79.41, 2 ml, 76.9%, 57.8%, 51.28 and 80.65, respectively. While these values for total testicular volume were as follows 5.255 ml, 61.5, 75, 59.26 and 76.74, respectively. Furthermore, these values for LH and 46xy were as follows 17 IU/l, 73.1%, 50%, 46.34, 75.86, 16.35, 84.6, 50, 50 and 84.6, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mosaic KS had higher rates of SRR compared to non-mosaic KS.

Pharmacological therapies for male infertility

Male factor infertility is a multifaceted problem that affects approximately 50% of couples suffering from infertility. Causes of male infertility include endocrine disturbances, gonadotoxins, genetic abnormalities, varicocele, malignancies, infections, congenital or acquired urogenital abnormalities, iatrogenic factors, immunological factors, and idiopathic reasons. There are a variety of treatment options for male infertility, depending on the underlying cause(s). These can include surgical treatments, medical/hormonal therapies, and assisted reproductive techniques (ART), which can be combined with surgical sperm retrieval (SSR) if necessary. In this review article, the pharmacological therapies for male infertility are grouped by their underlying causes. Some of these therapies are targeted and specific, while others are used empirically to treat idiopathic male infertility. This will include treatments to optimize infertility in patients who have hypogonadism, ejaculatory dysfunction, infections, or idiopathic male infertility. Finally, we will provide an overview of the future directions of pharmacological therapies for male infertility. Significance Statement Male infertility is a significant worldwide problem. Detailed knowledge of the pharmacological therapies available will ensure the prescription of appropriate therapy and avoid the use of unnecessary or harmful treatments.

Counseling for the man with severe male infertility

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarize the proper counseling for men with severe male factor infertility.

RECENT FINDINGS

Men who are experiencing infertility should have a semen analysis, the results of which may imply additional investigations, including genetic and hormonal. Moreover, possible modifiable factors that may harm men's reproductive health should be carefully evaluated. Finally, different treatment options are available.

SUMMARY

Approximately 15% of couples struggle with infertility. Complete evaluations of both men and women are required to determine the etiology of infertility and determine appropriate treatment.