Predicting sperm retrieval rates in testicular sperm extraction for azoospermia according to endocrine profiles.

The present study was carried out to examine the predictive value of endocrine profiles as indicators of the sperm retrieval rate on testicular sperm extraction (TESE) in azoospermic men. Prior to TESE, the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol and 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone were measured and the sagittal cross-sections of the testis were acquired using ultrasonography. The sperm retrieval rates according to the cause of azoospermia were 40% for idiopathic azoospermia, and 100% for obstructive azoospermia, cryptorchidsm and ejaculatory disorder.