Evaluation of post-testicular obstructive disorders in azospermic patients

ABSTRACT

The frequency and spectrum of post-testicular obstructive disorders in azoospermic patients were .R determined by fertility hormone profile, semen fructose level and post-coital urine examination for sperm test. One hundred and fifty six azoospermic men and 25 age matched fertile males were included as control in the study. Serum levels of FSH, LH and testosterone were assayed by standard double-antibody nl radioimmunoassay. Semen fructose estimation was done by using Dr Langa kit. The testicular biopsy >t was performed and stained by H and E stain. Sixty [38.5%] patients had serum FSH level of 5.4 mlU/ml [range 1.6-10.2 mlU/ml]; LH 6.9 mlU/ml [range 3.4-12 mlU/ml] and testosterone, 6.3 ng/ml [range 3.1-10.9 ng/ml]. The testicular size was none significantly different from healthy subject. These patients were diagnosed to have post-testicular obstructive disorder. Three patients had no fructose in their semen, probably, due to absent seminal vesicles/vas deferens or ejaculatory duct obstruction. Two patients had sperms in post -coital urine examination due to retrograde ejaculation. It is concluded that post-testicular obstruction is a common disorder causing infertility in azoospermic males. Measurement of fertility hormone profile is sensitive and comparable with testicular biopsy in post-testicular obstruction