Varicocele treatment in non-obstructive azoospermia: a systematic review.

: To review the available literature and identify factors associated with successful outcomes after varicocele repair (VR) in the setting of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). : The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles. Primary outcomes were return of spontaneous spermatogenesis, sperm retrieval rates (SRRs), and unassisted and assisted pregnancy rates.

One size does not fit all: variations by ethnicity in demographic characteristics of men seeking fertility treatment across North America.

Objective: To compare racial differences in male fertility history and treatment.

Design: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Setting: North American reproductive urology centers.

Utility of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Clinical Guidelines Based on a Systematic Review and Analysis of Evidence.

It is widely accepted that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of male infertility and that antioxidants could have a significant role in the treatment of male infertility. The main objectives of this study are: 1) to systematically review the current evidence for the utility of antioxidants in the treatment of male infertility; and 2) propose evidence-based clinical guidelines for the use of antioxidants in the treatment of male infertility. A systematic review of the available clinical evidence was performed, with articles published on Scopus being manually screened.

Empirical medical therapy for idiopathic male infertility.

Objective: To determine if there has been a change in empirical medical therapy (EMT) practices since a 2010 American Urological Association survey reported that 25% of urologists treated infertile men who were pursuing a pregnancy with testosterone (T).

Design: Survey-based cohort study of AUA members.

Setting: Practice patterns were evaluated of urologists in academic and nonacademic hospital centers.

Oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of male infertility.

The effects of reactive oxygen species on male fertility are governed by the oxidative paradox, defined by a delicate balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity. When regulated appropriately, reactive oxygen species ensure effective function; however, when uninhibited, they represent key players in male factor infertility. Mechanisms responsible for this include oxidative destruction of sperm lipid membranes, damage to gamete DNA both by gene mutation and by direct breakdown of the DNA backbone, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptotic cell death.

Stressors and Coping Mechanisms Related to Burnout Within Urology.

Objective: To identify factors and stress coping mechanisms associated with burnout within the field of urology.

Methods: A survey study was completed using the abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory to evaluate emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and low personal achievement. Demographic information, training status, practice setting, work hours, and mechanisms used to cope with stress were evaluated.

Reproductive endocrinologists are the gatekeepers for male infertility care in North America: results of a North American survey on the referral patterns and characteristics of men presenting to male infertility specialists for infertility investigations.

Objective: To characterize the referral patterns and characteristics of men presenting for infertility evaluation using data obtained from the Andrology Research Consortium.

Design: Standardized male infertility questionnaire.

Setting: Male infertility centers.

Role of reactive oxygen species in male infertility: An updated review of literature.

Objectives: To review the literature and provide an updated summary on the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in male infertility.

Methods: A review of PubMed, Cochrane review, and Web of Science databases for full-text English-language articles published between 1943 and 2017 was performed, focusing on the aetiology of ROS, physiological role of ROS on spermatic function, pathological role of ROS in infertility, evaluation of ROS, and role of antioxidants in oxidative stress.

Results: ROS play a role in spermatic function and fertilisation.

Early pregnancy likely caused by an intravesical intrauterine device.

A 42-year-old female with remote history of intrauterine device (IUD) placement presented with gross hematuria, urinary urgency, and dyspareunia. Cystoscopy showed an encrusted, free-floating intravesical foreign body consistent with a heavily calcified IUD. It was removed endoscopically using holmium laser cystolitholapaxy.

Food intake diet and sperm characteristics in a blue zone: a Loma Linda Study.

Objectives: The study examined the effect the life-long vegetarian diet on male fertility and focused on vegetarians living in the Loma Linda blue zone, a demographic area known for life longevity. The objective was to compare sperm characteristics of vegetarian with non-vegetarian males.

Study Design: The cross-sectional observational study was based on semen analyses of 474 males from 2009 to 2013.

Diagnosis of clinical and subclinical varicocele: how has it evolved?

In this review, we examine the evolution and application of various diagnostic modalities for varicoceles starting with venography, scintigraphy, and thermography and their role in the evaluation of a varicocele patient. Some of these methods have been supplanted by less invasive and more easily performed diagnostic modalities, especially ultrasound and Doppler examination of the scrotum. Advances in ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging hold the potential to expand the role of imaging beyond that of visual confirmation and characterization of varicoceles.

Male infertility testing: reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an integral component of sperm developmental physiology, capacitation, and function. Elevated ROS levels, from processes such as infection or inflammation, can be associated with aberrations of sperm development, function, and fertilizing capacity. We review the impact of ROS on sperm physiology, its place in infertility evaluation, the implications for reproductive outcomes, and antioxidant therapy.

The role of nutraceuticals in male fertility.

Nutraceuticals are food products that that can provide medical or health benefits by preventing or treating disease processes. The high costs associated with assisted reproductive techniques for male infertility have led consumers to find less expensive alternatives for potential treatment. Nutraceuticals are widely available and have many antioxidant properties.

47,XYY Syndrome and Male Infertility.

Men with 47,XYY syndrome present with varying physical attributes and degrees of infertility. A retrospective chart review was performed on a male infertility and genetic anomaly database. Three patients with 47,XYY were found.

Empirical medical therapy for idiopathic male infertility: a survey of the American Urological Association.

Purpose: We determined empirical medical therapy practice patterns for idiopathic infertility.

Materials And Methods: We performed a survey of 7,745 practicing American Urological Association members from July to November 2010. Respondents were questioned on empirical medical therapy use, patient evaluation and selection, and preferred medications.

The role of over-the-counter supplements for the treatment of male infertility--fact or fiction?

Many over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins and supplements have been used to improve male fertility. The purpose of this study is to review the effects of these OTC supplements on male fertility. A Pub Med and Medline review of the randomized controlled studies utilizing OTC vitamins and supplements readily available in the United States over the last 3 decades was performed.

Living donor kidney transplantation with multiple renal arteries in the laparoscopic era.

Objectives: To compare the postoperative complications and survival metrics after multiple renal arteries (MRA) and single renal artery (SRA) laparoscopically procured living donor kidney transplantation (LLDKT). MRA are the most frequently encountered anatomic variation during kidney transplantation. The long-term outcomes of LLDKT with MRA are not well characterized.

Utility of the endovascular stapler for right-sided laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a 7-year experience at Mayo Clinic.

Background: Management of the renal vasculature during right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) to maximize vessel length has been controversial. The endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis (GIA) stapler has been used for renal vascular control for our donors since the inception of our LDN program. We evaluated and compared the outcomes of right and left LDNs using a single method for hilar control.

Current management of Wilms' tumor in children.

Purpose: Wilms' tumor is the most common renal tumor in children. Outcomes have improved dramatically over the past few decades, but important treatment questions remain. These include the role of molecular biologic markers in stratifying patients for therapy or targeting tumors for treatment.

Bulking agent induced early urethral prolapse after distal urethrectomy.

Urethral prolapse after injection therapy for incontinence is rare. We report a case of early urethral prolapse in an adult woman with urinary incontinence secondary to distal urethrectomy treated with calcium hydroxylapatite (Coaptite).