Male Infertility - What is Testicle Biopsy?

As mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse or can not carry the pregnancy to term. It affects more than 5 million couples in the United States alone, and many more times in the world. Because of unawareness of treatments, only 10% seeks help from professional specialist. In this article, we will discuss what male testicular biopsy infertility?

I. Definition
A small sample and test the ability to produce sperm to produce normal cells is taken. This test is required if it is found that male infertility have no sperm in the semen, abnormal levels of sex hormone and abnormal sperm with unknown causes.

II. procedure
After the skin is cleaned testicles and a local anesthetic to numb the area, a small surgical incision to remove a small piece of testicular tissue. Testicular biopsy is usually done in the doctor's office.

III. analysis
The purpose of this test is to find the causes of male infertility or physical problems can interfere with normal sperm production.

1. tubal obstruction
There may be a blockage of the tube through which the sperm travel testis to the urethra.

2. cyst
Similar to a fluid-filled cyst dead sperm and which can interfere with sperm production, such as the blocking of the mass of the tube.

3. orchitis or inflammation of the testicles
It is sometimes found with epididymitis, especially if epididymitis went untreated.

4. Testicular Cancer
Testicular biopsy is needed if it is discovered that a patient has symptoms such as loss of sexual activity or interest, a lump in a testicle or hardening of a testis, tenderness, low back pain, sudden decrease or increase in the size of one or both testicles, blood in semen, etc.

IV. risk
Test the risk can cause damage to the testicles, a small amount of bleeding and sometimes infection.