Varicocele repair for low testosterone.

Purpose Of Review: Several recent clinical studies have added to the existing literature on the impact of varicocelectomy on serum testosterone levels. These studies were not included in the most recent previous review of this topic and strengthen considerably the evidence base supporting the claim that varicocele repair can reliably restore below-normal testosterone levels.

Recent Findings: Three studies were published in 2011 on the effect of varicocele repair on testosterone levels.

Review of current varicocelectomy techniques and their outcomes.

Objectives: • To review all the various techniques and their results and efficiencies to provide practicing urologists with some guidance for choice of technique • To discuss improvements of varicocelectomy techniques in the last 15 years and their impact on results of surgery.

Patients And Methods: • A PubMed English literature review of literature from 1995 to present.

Results: • Pregnancy rates were highest with microsurgical subinguinal technique • Varicocele recurrence rates were lowest with microsurgical subinguinal technique • Hydrocele formation rates were lowest with microsurgical inguinal technique • Surgical complications were highest in the laparoscopic technique • Varicocelectomy by itself or in conjunction with IVF is cost effective

Conclusions: • Microsurgical subinguinal or microsurgical inguinal techniques offer best outcomes • Varicocelectomy is a cost effective treatment modality for infertility • Further research is needed to explore new developments in varicocelectomy.

Ejaculatory duct dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms: chronic prostatitis.

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is the most prevalent form of prostatitis. It is characterized by pelvic pain, voiding symptoms, and ejaculatory symptoms in the absence of bacterial infection. This can be a difficult condition to treat.

Rising hypospadias rates: disproving a myth.

Hypospadias is one of the most common congenital abnormalities occurring in males. In recent years, the prevalence of hypospadias and whether that prevalence is rising or stable has become part of a larger debate over the potential effects of so-called 'endocrine disruptors', such as phthalates and bisphenol-A, on male reproductive health. This commentary critically examines allegations suggesting a worldwide increase in hypospadias rates.

Female sexual dysfunction in urological patients: findings from a major metropolitan area in the USA.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of and risk factors for female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in a practice focused mainly on female urology.

Patients And Methods: A modified version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used to assess the prevalence of FSD in 587 patients who completed the questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors.

Hypospadias rates in new york state are not increasing.

Purpose: The testicular dysgenesis syndrome describes urogenital abnormalities associated with exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, specifically decreased semen quality, and increased rates of testis cancer and hypospadias. Recently there has been concern that these abnormalities described in animal studies may also be present in humans. To determine if hypospadias rates are increasing, we retrospectively reviewed the total prevalence of hypospadias in New York State from 1992 to 2005, categorized by maternal age younger than 35 years and 35 years or older.

Older men are having children, but the reality of a male biological clock makes this trend worrisome.

Couples are waiting longer to have children, and advances in reproductive technology are allowing older men and women to consider having children. The lack of appreciation among both medical professionals and the lay public for the reality of a male biological clock makes these trends worrisome. The age-related changes associated with the male biological clock affect sperm quality, fertility, hormone levels, libido, erectile function, and a host of non-reproductive physiological issues.

Declining worldwide sperm counts: disproving a myth.

This article explores in detail the issue of the alleged decline in semen quality. The impetus for a comprehensive re-evaluation at this time is threefold: (1) the potential impact of a real decline in semen quality and subsequent human fertility is a priori critical to human welfare; (2) governments have begun to enact "anti-endocrine disruptor" legislation that is based, in part, on selected portions of the published data about semen quality; and (3) confusion and misinformation about semen quality remain widespread in lay and professional circles.

Pathologic effects of testosterone deprivation.

Purpose Of Review: Androgen deprivation therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for advanced prostate cancer. There are significant adverse effects associated with prolonged androgen deprivation therapy, with recent findings associating it with the metabolic syndrome and its associated health risks.

Recent Findings: A review of the adverse pathologic effects of testosterone deprivation is performed.

Infertility and testis cancer.

Testicular cancer is the most common solid organ tumor in young men and affects men during their reproductive years. Current therapeutic regimens have significantly improved survival but often adversely impact fertility. Understanding the effects of testicular cancer, the systemic effects of neoplasia, and the effects of treatment protocols, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, is essential to restoring and maintaining fertility in men who have germ cell neoplasms.

The male biological clock.

Do men have biological clocks that affect their hormone levels, fertility, and the genetic quality of their sperm? Women can no longer be viewed as solely responsible for age-related fertility and genetic problems. The effects of andropause and advanced paternal age on fertility and offspring are still under investigation. Further research is needed to fully characterize the associated risks and to treat the underlying abnormalities.

Management of ejaculatory duct obstruction: etiology, diagnosis, and treatment.

Abnormalities of the distal ejaculatory ducts related to infertility have been well-documented. Although there are no specific findings associated with ejaculatory duct obstruction, several clinical findings are highly suggestive. A diagnosis of ejaculatory duct obstruction is suggested in an infertile male with oligospermia or azoospermia with low ejaculate volume, normal secondary sex characteristics, testes, and hormonal profile, and dilated seminal vesicles, midline cyst, or calcifications on TRUS.

Clomiphene citrate effects on testosterone/estrogen ratio in male hypogonadism.

Aim: Symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism is associated not only with a decline in serum testosterone, but also with a rise in serum estradiol. These endocrine changes negatively affect libido, sexual function, mood, behavior, lean body mass, and bone density. Currently, the most common treatment is exogenous testosterone therapy.

Hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome: implications for testosterone therapy.

Purpose: Metabolic syndrome, characterized by central obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension, is highly prevalent in the United States. When left untreated, it significantly increases the risk of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. It has been suggested that hypogonadism may be an additional component of metabolic syndrome.

[Quality evaluation of three different sperm counting chambers].

Objective: Semen evaluation is the most important laboratory test for assessing male fertility. However, lack of strict quality control (QC) for semen analyses in hospital andrology laboratories makes it difficult and meaningless to compare semen data between different laboratories. This paper reports a comparative study on the accuracy of the Hemacytometer (Qiujing Inc.

A novel surgical approach to subinguinal varicocelectomy: artery and lymphatic isolation technique.

Clinically relevant varicoceles require surgical management through one of several techniques. We introduce an innovative technique for varicocelectomy via a subinguinal approach that allows identification and preservation of the arteries and lymphatics. This method allows the safe excision of the varicocele, while minimizing the risk of complications.

The relationship of long term global temperature change and human fertility.

Unlabelled: According to the United Nations, global fertility has declined in the last century as reflected by a decline in birth rates. The earth's surface air temperature has increased considerably and is referred to as global warming. Since changes in temperature are well known to influence fertility we sought to determine if a statistical relationship exists between long-term changes in global air temperatures and birth rates.

The influence of paternal age on down syndrome.

Purpose: Children born to older parents are at greater risk for genetic abnormalities, such as Down syndrome. The influence of maternal age on Down syndrome is well established but little is known about the genetic consequences of advanced paternal age.

Materials And Methods: Data on the incidence of Down syndrome from 1983 to 1997 (3,419 cases) were obtained from the New York State Department of Health congenital malformations registry.

Ejaculatory duct obstruction.

Purpose Of Review: We surveyed the growing literature on ejaculatory duct obstruction and provide suggestions regarding its diagnosis and management.

Recent Findings: Ejaculatory duct obstruction is a rare cause of male infertility. With the advent of the high resolution transurethral ultrasound (TRUS) technology, there has been an increase in diagnosis of this disorder.