[Medical optimisation of sperm retrieval in non obstructive azoospermia]

Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2014 Sep;42(9):640-3. doi: 10.1016/j.gyobfe.2014.07.023. Epub 2014 Aug 19.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Medical optimisation of sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia is reviewed. Gonadotropin treatment of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism allows obtaining sperms in the ejaculate in about 90% of cases provided the duration of treatment was long enough. TESE is indicated in case of persistent azoospermia at 2 years of continuous treatment. Some publications reported a possible effect of hormonal treatments (FSH, hCG, anti-estrogens, aromatase inhibitors) in primary spermatogenic failure, but mainly in cases selected for their favourable histology and normal hormonal levels. The effect on unselected cases remains doubtful. Conversely, the effect of the treatment of varicoceles is significant. Other medical treatments or advises need further investigations.

Keywords: Azoospermia; Azoospermie; Gonadotrophines; Gonadotropins; Infertilité masculine; Male infertility; Varicocele; Varicocèle.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Azoospermia / complications*
  • Azoospermia / drug therapy
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / complications
  • Hypogonadism / drug therapy
  • Infertility, Male / etiology
  • Infertility, Male / therapy*
  • Male
  • Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic
  • Sperm Retrieval*
  • Sperm Transport
  • Spermatogenesis
  • Testis / cytology

Substances

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone