Early treatment of cryptorchidism, semen quality and testicular endocrinology.

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% of the patients with unilateral and 50% 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.