The Utility of Sperm Cryopreservation at the Time of Vasectomy Reversal.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively evaluated the utility of sperm cryopreservation at the time of vasectomy reversal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2016 through December 2018 a total of 26 men underwent vasectomy reversal. Sperm cryopreservation is routinely offered at the time of vasectomy reversal at our institution. We sought to assess utilization of cryopreserved sperm by those men with early or late vasectomy reversal failure. RESULTS: Of 26 patients presenting for vasectomy reversal 22 (85%) elected to cryopreserve sperm. Sperm were obtained for freezing from the vasal (7 patients) or epididymal fluid (3), or via testicular biopsy (12). Three patients were lost to followup postoperatively. Of the 23 who presented for post-procedure followup 19 either had semen analyses with motile sperm or a live birth (83% success rate). There were 4 early failures and 2 late failures; all patients with failures had elected to cryopreserve sperm at the time of initial reversal. Three of the 6 individuals (50%) with vasectomy reversal failure elected to use cryopreserved sperm for in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection, with 2 of these (67%) resulting in live births. CONCLUSIONS: Of those patients who experienced vasectomy reversal failure 50% elected to use cryopreserved sperm that had been procured at the time of initial reversal. Given the potential for early or late failure, cryopreservation of sperm at the time of vasectomy reversal should be routinely offered as a means of avoiding the added expense and potential morbidity of future surgical sperm retrieval.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline Part I.

PURPOSE: The summary presented herein represents Part I of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part I outlines the appropriate evaluation of the male in an infertile couple. Recommendations proceed from obtaining an appropriate history and physical exam (Appendix I), as well as diagnostic testing, where indicated. MATERIALS/METHODS: The Emergency Care Research Institute Evidence-based Practice Center team searched PubMed®, Embase®, and Medline from January, 2000 through May, 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table 1[Table: see text]). This summary is being simultaneously published in Fertility and Sterility and The Journal of Urology. RESULTS: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding evaluation of male infertility as well as the association of male infertility with other important health conditions. The detection of male infertility increases the risk of subsequent development of health problems for men. In addition, specific medical conditions are associated with some causes for male infertility. Evaluation and treatment recommendations are summarized in the associated algorithm (figure[Figure: see text]). CONCLUSION: The presence of male infertility is crucial to the health of patients and its effects must be considered for the welfare of society. This document will undergo updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future treatment options continues to expand.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline PART II.

PURPOSE: The summary presented herein represents Part II of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part II outlines the appropriate management of the male in an infertile couple. Medical therapies, surgical techniques, as well as use of intrauterine insemination (IUI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are covered to allow for optimal patient management. Please refer to Part I for discussion on evaluation of the infertile male and discussion of relevant health conditions that are associated with male infertility. MATERIALS/METHODS: The Emergency Care Research Institute Evidence-based Practice Center team searched PubMed®, Embase®, and Medline from January 2000 through May 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table[Table: see text]). This summary is being simultaneously published in Fertility and Sterility and The Journal of Urology. RESULTS: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding management of male infertility. Such recommendations are summarized in the associated algorithm (figure[Figure: see text]). CONCLUSION: Male contributions to infertility are prevalent, and specific treatment as well as assisted reproductive techniques are effective at managing male infertility. This document will undergo additional literature reviews and updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future treatment options continues to expand.

Penis Transplantation: First US Experience.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the first successful penis transplant in the United States in a patient with a history of subtotal penectomy for penile cancer. BACKGROUND: Penis transplantation represents a new paradigm in restoring anatomic appearance, urine conduit, and sexual function after genitourinary tissue loss. To date, only 2 penis transplants have been performed worldwide. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, extensive medical, surgical, and radiological evaluations of the patient were performed. His candidacy was reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians, psychiatrists, social workers, and nurse coordinators. After appropriate donor identification and recipient induction with antithymocyte globulin, allograft procurement and recipient preparation took place concurrently. Anastomoses of the urethra, corpora, cavernosal and dorsal arteries, dorsal vein, and dorsal nerves were performed, and also inclusion of a donor skin pedicle as the composite allograft. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of mycophenolate mofetil, tacrolimus, and methylprednisolone. RESULTS: Intraoperative, the allograft had excellent capillary refill and strong Doppler signals after revascularization. Operative reinterventions on postoperative days (PODs) 2 and 13 were required for hematoma evacuation and skin eschar debridement. At 3 weeks, no anastomotic leaks were detected on urethrogram, and the catheter was removed. Steroid resistant-rejection developed on POD 28 (Banff I), progressed by POD 32 (Banff III), and required a repeat course of methylprednisolone and antithymocyte globulin. At 7 months, the patient has recovered partial sensation of the penile shaft and has spontaneous penile tumescence. Our patient reports increased overall health satisfaction, dramatic improvement of self-image, and optimism for the future. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that it is feasible to perform penile transplantation with excellent results. Furthermore, this experience demonstrates that penile transplantation can be successfully performed with conventional immunosuppression. We propose that our successful penile transplantation pilot experience represents a proof of concept for an evolution in reconstructive transplantation.

What Does a Single Semen Sample Tell You? Implications for Male Factor Infertility Research.

Semen parameters are variable within individuals, but it is unclear whether 1 semen sample could represent a man's long-term average values in epidemiologic studies. Between 2005 and 2014, a total of 329 men from a fertility clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, provided 768 semen samples as part of the Environment and Reproductive Health (EARTH) Study. Total sperm count, sperm concentration, morphology, motility, and ejaculate volume were assessed. We used linear mixed models to compare values from men's first semen samples with their long-term averages and to calculate intraclass correlation coefficients for each parameter. We calculated positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs) by comparing agreement in classification according to World Health Organization reference limits. There were no differences in mean semen parameters between men's first samples and the remaining replicates. Intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.61 for morphology to 0.75 for concentration, indicating consistently greater between-man variability than within-man variability. Nevertheless, using 1 sample alone resulted in high NPVs but low PPVs (range, 43%-91%). The average of 2 samples was needed to achieve high PPVs (range, 86%-100%) and NPVs (range, 91%-100%). We conclude that 1 semen sample may suffice for studies aimed at identifying average differences in semen quality between individuals. Studies aimed at classifying men based on World Health Organization reference limits may benefit from collection of 2 or more samples.

Multicenter Investigation of the Micro-Organisms Involved in Penile Prosthesis Infection: An Analysis of the Efficacy of the AUA and EAU Guidelines for Penile Prosthesis Prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Penile prosthesis infections remain challenging despite advancements in surgical technique, device improvements, and adoption of antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines. AIM: To investigate penile prosthesis infection microbiology to consider which changes in practice could decrease infection rates, to evaluate current antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines, and to develop a proposed algorithm for penile prosthesis infections. METHODS: This retrospective institutional review board-exempt multi-institutional study from 25 centers reviewed intraoperative cultures obtained at explantation or Mulcahy salvage of infected three-piece inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs). Antibiotic usage was recorded at implantation, admission for infection, and explantation or salvage surgery. Cultures were obtained from purulent material in the implant space and from the biofilm on the device. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative culture data from infected IPPs. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-seven intraoperative cultures (2002-2016) were obtained at salvage or explantation. No culture growth occurred in 33% of cases and gram-positive and gram-negative organisms were found in 73% and 39% of positive cultures, respectively. Candida species (11.1%), anaerobes (10.5%) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (9.2%) constituted nearly one third of 153 positive cultures. Multi-organism infections occurred in 25% of positive cultures. Antibiotic regimens at initial implantation were generally consistent with American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. However, the micro-organisms identified in this study were covered by these guidelines in only 62% to 86% of cases. Antibiotic selection at admissions for infection and salvage or explantation varied widely compared with those at IPP implantation. CONCLUSION: This study documents a high incidence of anaerobic, Candida, and methicillin-resistant S aureus infections. In addition, approximately one third of infected penile prosthesis cases had negative cultures. Micro-organisms identified in this study were not covered by the AUA and EAU antibiotic guidelines in at least 14% to 38% of cases. These findings suggest broadening antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines and creating a management algorithm for IPP infections might lower infection rates and improve salvage success. Gross MS, Phillips EA, Carrasquillo RJ, et al. Multicenter Investigation of the Micro-Organisms Involved in Penile Prosthesis Infection: An Analysis of the Efficacy of the AUA and EAU Guidelines for Penile Prosthesis Prophylaxis. J Sex Med 2017;14:455-463.

Hematocrit Response and Risk Factors for Significant Hematocrit Elevation with Implantable Testosterone Pellets.

PURPOSE: We studied the incidence and risk factors for the development of erythrocytosis with implantable testosterone pellets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective database analysis was used to evaluate men treated with testosterone pellets between 2009 and 2014. Inclusion criteria consisted of adult, hypogonadal males who had a full complement of pretreatment and posttreatment surveillance studies. Pretreatment and posttreatment values were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Multiple linear regression was used to identify potential risk factors for significant hematocrit elevation. RESULTS: A total of 97 patients were included in the study. The average age of the cohort was 52 years (range 24 to 80). Mean hematocrit before and after pellet implantation was 43.9% and 46.1%, respectively, corresponding to an increase of 2.2% (CI 1.4-2.9, p <0.001). The average increase in testosterone was 145.3 ng/dl from an initial mean of 278.9 ng/dl (CI 105.7-184.9, p <0.001). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that pretreatment hematocrit was inversely related to the expected change in hematocrit. Pretreatment comorbidity status (ie the presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity or diabetes) was not associated with a significant increase in posttreatment hematocrit. CONCLUSIONS: Although the data demonstrate a statistically significant increase in hematocrit, an increment of 2.2% is unlikely to translate into clinical relevance. Thus, for this cohort of patients implantable testosterone pellets appear safe in terms of the risk of polycythemia. Pretreatment hematocrit may serve as a predictor of a significant hematocrit increase after the initiation of therapy.

Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa with minimal non-permeable cryoprotectant.

Cryopreservation of human spermatozoa is a commonly used technique in assisted reproduction, however freezing low concentrations of sperm while maintaining adequate post-thaw motility remains a challenge. In an effort to optimize post-thaw motility yields, low volumes of human sperm were frozen in polyimide-coated fused silica micro-capillaries using 0.065 M, 0.125 M, 0.25 M, or 0.5 M trehalose as the only cryoprotectant. Micro-capillaries were either initially incubated in liquid nitrogen vapor before plunging into liquid nitrogen, or directly plunged into liquid nitrogen. Post thaw sperm counts and motility were estimated. Spermatozoa that were initially incubated in liquid nitrogen vapor had greater post thaw motility than those plunged immediately into liquid nitrogen independent of trehalose concentration. The protective effect of 0.125 M d-glucose, 3-O-methyl-d-glucopyranose, trehalose, sucrose, raffinose, or stachyose were evaluated individually. Trehalose and sucrose were the most effective cryoprotectants, recovering 69.0% and 68.9% of initial sperm motility, respectively.

Processed meat intake is unfavorably and fish intake favorably associated with semen quality indicators among men attending a fertility clinic.

Emerging literature suggests that men's diets may affect spermatogenesis as reflected in semen quality indicators, but literature on the relation between meat intake and semen quality is limited. Our objective was to prospectively examine the relation between meat intake and indicators of semen quality. Men in subfertile couples presenting for evaluation at the Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center were invited to participate in an ongoing study of environmental factors and fertility. A total of 155 men completed a validated food-frequency questionnaire and subsequently provided 338 semen samples over an 18-mo period from 2007-2012. We used linear mixed regression models to examine the relation between meat intake and semen quality indicators (total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, morphology, and semen volume) while adjusting for potential confounders and accounting for within-person variability across repeat semen samples. Among the 155 men (median age: 36.1 y; 83% white, non-Hispanic), processed meat intake was inversely related to sperm morphology. Men in the highest quartile of processed meat intake had, on average, 1.7 percentage units (95% CI: -3.3, -0.04) fewer morphologically normal sperm than men in the lowest quartile of intake (P-trend = 0.02). Fish intake was related to higher sperm count and percentage of morphologically normal sperm. The adjusted mean total sperm count increased from 102 million (95% CI: 80, 131) in the lowest quartile to 168 million (95% CI: 136, 207) sperm in the highest quartile of fish intake (P-trend = 0.005). Similarly, the adjusted mean percentages of morphologically normal sperm for men in increasing quartiles of fish intake were 5.9 (95% CI: 5.0, 6.8), 5.3 (95% CI: 4.4, 6.3), 6.3 (95% CI: 5.2, 7.4), and 7.5 (95% CI: 6.5, 8.5) (P-trend = 0.01). Consuming fish may have a positive impact on sperm counts and morphology, particularly when consumed instead of processed red meats.

Ejaculatory duct obstruction: current diagnosis and treatment.

Ejaculatory duct obstruction is an infrequent cause of obstructive azoospermia, occurring in up to 5 % of such patients. However, it is potentially correctable and warrants consideration in the differential diagnosis of the patient presenting for infertility evaluation. This review provides an overview of ejaculatory duct obstruction: its various etiologies, presentation, and associated clinical assessment. It includes a description of diagnostic imaging and interventional studies available to the practicing urologist and concludes with a discussion of current endoscopic management.

Microsurgical spermatocelectomy: technique and outcomes of a novel surgical approach.

PURPOSE: A microsurgical approach to spermatocelectomy theoretically minimizes the risk of injury to the epididymis and testicular blood supply. We present the technique of microsurgical spermatocelectomy and report our perioperative and recurrence outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 15-year period 23 men with a total of 36 epididymal cystic masses underwent microsurgical resection with confirmation of spermatocele diagnosis by intraoperative identification of sperm in the cyst fluid. We reviewed pathology reports for resected epididymal tissue in the spermatocele specimen. Postoperative outcome measures included complications, sperm count changes, improvement in pain and fertility, and cyst recurrence. RESULTS: Mean spermatocele size was 5.0 cm (range 1 to 15). Common indications for surgery included pain in 35% of cases, infertility in 30% and the 2 conditions in 13%. A total of 13 patients (57%) underwent simultaneous procedures for concomitant varicocele and/or hydrocele with a mean overall surgical time of 152 minutes. A single scrotal hematoma managed conservatively was the only postoperative complication. There was no case of infection. Avoidance of inadvertent epididymal resection was shown by absent epididymal tissue in each of the 36 spermatocele pathology specimens. Also, no patient with preoperative and postoperative semen analyses available experienced a decreased sperm count, confirming the avoidance of iatrogenic epididymal tubule obstruction. At a mean followup of 17.3 months no man had cyst recurrence or testicular atrophy and all with preoperative pain reported improvement. One patient with preoperative infertility achieved pregnancy 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical spermatocelectomy is safe and effective with a minimal risk of epididymal injury, testicular atrophy and recurrence.

Varicocele as a risk factor for androgen deficiency and effect of repair.

OBJECTIVE: • To determine whether men with varicoceles have lower testosterone levels than those without and to ascertain if testosterone levels increase after varicocelectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: • We measured preoperative testosterone levels in 325 men with palpable varicoceles and in 510 men with vasectomy reversal without varicoceles who served as a comparison group. • The testosterone levels between groups were compared by age. Of the men with varicoceles, 200 had data on both pre- and postoperative testosterone levels, which were compared to assess postoperative changes. RESULTS: • Men with varicocele had significantly lower testosterone levels than the comparison group, with mean (sd) levels of 416 (156) vs 469 (192) ng/dL (P < 0.001). This difference persisted when analysed by age. • The testosterone levels significantly increased after repair from 358 (126) to 454 (168) ng/dL (P < 0.001). • Of the 70% of patients with postoperative improvement in testosterone levels, the mean (sd) increase in testosterone was 178 (142) ng/dL. The percentage change in testosterone levels was: 30% had no increase, 41% increased by ≤ 50%, 19% increased between by 51-100%, and 10% increased by >100%. • There was no association between change in testosterone level and age, laterality of varicocele, or varicocele grade. CONCLUSIONS: • Men with varicoceles had significantly lower testosterone levels than the comparison group of men with vasectomy reversal. • Microsurgical varicocele ligation resulted in a significant increase in serum testosterone levels in more than two-thirds of men. • These findings suggest that varicocele is a significant risk factor for androgen deficiency and that repair may increase testosterone levels in men with varicocele and low testosterone levels.

The impact of varicocele and varicocele repair on serum testosterone.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The increased risk of infertility in men with varicocele is well established. Varicocelectomy has been shown to improve semen parameters and increase pregnancy rates. Yet varicocele pathophysiology is poorly understood and potential implications for testosterone production are less clear. Evidence suggests that varicocele may result in lower serum testosterone levels and that varicocelectomy may, in turn, correct this deficit. RECENT FINDINGS: Several studies published in the past 18 months have assessed the effect of varicocele and varicocelectomy on serum testosterone levels. These include data gathered from two rat models of varicocele induction and outcomes after repair. Of additional interest is a study of serum testosterone levels in men after varicocelectomy, the first of its kind to stratify data by patient age and to address whether varicocele repair is effective in improving testosterone levels in older men. SUMMARY: Definitive statements regarding varicocele, varicocelectomy, and testosterone are difficult to make given the frequent absence of control groups and lack of sample group consistency. Despite this, recent well done animal and human studies suggest an adverse effect of varicocele on testosterone and a potential benefit of varicocele repair. Further controlled studies examining testosterone as a primary data point are required.

Clarifying the relationship between total motile sperm counts and intrauterine insemination pregnancy rates.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between postwash total motile sperm count (TMSC) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective review SETTING: Large fertility clinic PATIENT(S): A total of 92,471 insemination cycles from 37,553 patients were included in this study. INTERVENTION(S): All stimulated clomiphene citrate, letrozole, and/or injectable gonadotropin IUI cycles performed at a single institution from 2002 through 2018 were reviewed. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis was used to account for multiple cycles by individual patients and to adjust for female partner age, body mass index, and stimulation protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Successful clinical pregnancy was defined as ultrasound confirmation of an intrauterine gestational sac with fetal cardiac activity. RESULT(S): A total of 92,471 insemination cycles were available to evaluate the relationship between postwash TMSC and clinical pregnancy. Pregnancy rates were highest with TMSC of ≥9 × 106 and declined gradually as TMSC decreased. Complete data for the adjusted GEE analysis were available for 62,758 cycles. Adjusted GEE analysis among cycles with TMSC of ≥9 × 106 (n = 46,557) confirmed that TMSC in this range was unrelated to pregnancy. Conversely, TMSC was highly predictive of pregnancy (Wald χ2 = 39.85) in adjusted GEE analysis among cycles with TMSC of <9 × 106 (n = 16,201), with a statistically significant decline. CONCLUSIONS: IUI pregnancy is optimized with TMSC of ≥9 × 106, below which the rates gradually decline. Although rare, pregnancies were achieved with TMSC of <0.25 × 106. Since the decline in pregnancy is gradual and continuous, there is no specific threshold above which IUI should be recommended. Rather, these more specific quantitative predictions can be used to provide personalized counseling and guide clinical decision making.

Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part II.

PURPOSE: The summary presented herein represents Part II of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part II outlines the appropriate management of the male in an infertile couple. Medical therapies, surgical techniques, as well as use of intrauterine insemination (IUI)/in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are covered to allow for optimal patient management. Please refer to Part I for discussion on evaluation of the infertile male and discussion of relevant health conditions that are associated with male infertility. MATERIALS/METHODS: The Emergency Care Research Institute Evidence-based Practice Center team searched PubMed®, Embase®, and Medline from January 2000 through May 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions. (Table 1) This summary is being simultaneously published in Fertility and Sterility and The Journal of Urology. RESULTS: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding management of male infertility. Such recommendations are summarized in the associated algorithm. (Figure 1) CONCLUSION: Male contributions to infertility are prevalent, and specific treatment as well as assisted reproductive techniques are effective at managing male infertility. This document will undergo additional literature reviews and updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future treatment options continues to expand.

Diagnosis and treatment of infertility in men: AUA/ASRM guideline part I.

PURPOSE: The summary presented herein represents Part I of the two-part series dedicated to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. Part I outlines the appropriate evaluation of the male in an infertile couple. Recommendations proceed from obtaining an appropriate history and physical exam (Appendix I), as well as diagnostic testing, where indicated. MATERIALS/METHODS: The Emergency Care Research Institute Evidence-based Practice Center team searched PubMed®, Embase®, and Medline from January, 2000 through May, 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions. (Table 1) This summary is being simultaneously published in Fertility and Sterility and The Journal of Urology. RESULTS: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding evaluation of male infertility as well as the association of male infertility with other important health conditions. The detection of male infertility increases the risk of subsequent development of health problems for men. In addition, specific medical conditions are associated with some causes for male infertility. Evaluation and treatment recommendations are summarized in the associated algorithm. (Figure 1) CONCLUSION: The presence of male infertility is crucial to the health of patients and its effects must be considered for the welfare of society. This document will undergo updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future treatment options continues to expand.

The Impact of Physician Productivity Models on Access to Subspecialty Care: A White Paper From the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction and the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology.

Male infertility is a common disease. Male infertility is also a core competency of urology training and clinical practice. In this white paper from the Society for the Study of Male Reproduction and the Society for Male Reproduction and Urology, we identify and define different physician productivity plans. We then describe the advantages and disadvantages of various physician productivity measurement systems for male infertility practices. We close with recommendations for measuring productivity that we hope urologists and administrators can use when creating productivity plans for male infertility practices.

Varicocele repair for treatment of androgen deficiency.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The association between varicocele and male infertility is well established. Modern artery and lymphatic-sparing techniques of varicocele repair have been shown to significantly enhance semen quality and increase pregnancy rates. However, the effect of varicocele on testosterone production is less well defined and the possible association with androgen deficiency is controversial. Data regarding the effects of varicocelectomy on serum testosterone levels are limited and conflicting. RECENT FINDINGS: Few studies in the past 18 months have assessed the impact of varicocele repair on serum testosterone levels. The limited data available are culled from a diverse patient population with the goal of evaluating other primary outcome parameters and thus provide a challenge for drawing definitive conclusions. One of the more interesting recent studies uses a rat model of varicocele and varicocelectomy to assess changes in intratesticular testosterone levels. SUMMARY: Although the impact of varicocele on testosterone production is not well understood and the utility of varicocelectomy to prevent or reduce deterioration in Leydig cell function remains unproven, recent data suggest an adverse effect of varicocele and possible benefit of repair. Further human clinical studies are warranted to better define these relationships.

The Role of the Urologist in a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Practice.

With male factor infertility accounting for up to 50% of infertility cases, demand for male fertility services has increased. Integrating a reproductive urologist within a fertility center allows for treatment of both partners simultaneously with easier, more convenient access to a comprehensive male evaluation and any indicated interventions. A joint practice allows urologists to collaborate more closely with reproductive endocrinologists, which can, in turn, improve clinical care and research endeavors. This full-service, streamlined approach translates to optimized care for the infertile couple and allows for emphasis of male partner health.