AFRM team publishes research showing testicular pathology is associated with FSH levels and testicular sizes.

One of the most challenging scenarios for infertile couples is what is known as non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA).  This occurs when there is severe dysfunction in the cells of the testicles resulting in a sperm count of zero; however, this does not mean there may not be sperm within the testicles, but in many men, not enough to result in sperm in the semen.  One percent of men in the general population have NOA and it is diagnosed in 15% of men presenting for infertility treatments.  The standard of care treatment for men with NOA is a highly specialized, meticulous surgical search through the testicle to attempt to retrieve sperm (microdissection testicular sperm extraction or microTESE) for use with IVF to offer the couple an opportunity at conception.  The team at AFRM is proud to boast a sperm retrieval rate of 71%, which is arguably as high if not higher than any other center that regularly performs microTESE.  The AFRM team recently published an article in the esteemed Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics demonstrating that men with high levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), the hormone which commands the testicular cells to make sperm and rises in men with NOA, and testicular volumes are associated with more sever testicular histopathology.  Dr. Parviz Kavoussi, the lead author states, “Although the primary goal of the team at AFRM is to take exceptional care of infertile couples in a comprehensive manner, we find it very important to continue to publish our research to allow for advancement of the field and progress in the clinical care of our patients”.  To read the full study click here.