[Symptom of micro-orchism for fertility and endocrine testicular function].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There are no reliable findings regarding the frequency and etiology of the spermatogenetic and endocrine functional restrictions in the small testicle (microorchidism). This information is needed to properly assess the risk when multiple testicular biopsies for assisted reproduction techniques lead to further volume reduction.

PATIENTS/METHODS: 535 patients consulting our andrological clinic were included into the study. Orchidometric findings were corelated to spermatological data. Furthermore, FSH, Inhibin B, LH, testosterone and 17 estradiol were analysed. In 116 cases extended andrological studies clarified the etiology of the microorchidism.

RESULTS

26.5% of the patients had a testicular volume < or = 12 ml, 67.1% were in the normal area, 6.4% show a testicular volume > 25 ml. Patients with small testicles had azoospermia in 44.6%, OAT-syndrome in 20.2% and endocrine hypogonadism in 19.8%. The most frequent causes were Klinefelter-syndrome, maldescensus testis, varicocele, secondary atrophies and idiopathic clinical pictures.

CONCLUSIONS

Microorchidism is understood as a one-sided testicular volume < or = 12 ml in adult men. We consider the risky taking of tissue out of the small testicle as avoidable, if predictive diagnostic factors for the discovering of spermatozoa via operation are analysed. An androgen-substitution in microorchidism may be carried out in selected individuals.