Contact scrotal thermography: application to problems of infertility.

Traditionally, studies on the relationship between scrotal or testicular temperature and infertility have concerned patients with varicoceles. However, some varicoceles are difficult to palpate and, in fact, there now appears to be an entity called subclinical varicocele. These data have led to the development of a new diagnostic tool, a contact thermography camera, which is inexpensive in comparison to infrared thermography units, is portable and provides consistent permanent recordings of scrotal temperature. The initial use of this camera in 30 patients seen in an infertility clinic is reported.