Testicular Trauma: Potential Impact on Reproductive Function

AbstractPurpose: The long-term effects of testicular trauma on reproductive function are unknown. In an effort to define the relationship between testicular injury and fertility in humans, we identified patients with a history of testicular trauma and assessed parameters commonly associated with fertility.Materials and Methods: We reviewed 15 patients 23 to 59 years old who underwent immediate exploration after testicular trauma between 1972 and 1991. Of the patients 11 were contacted and 8 returned for prospective followup. Reproductive and sexual histories, physical examination, measurements of serum hormones and antisperm antibodies, semen analysis and scrotal ultrasound were done.Results: Of the 8 patients 1 (13 percent) achieved and 7 (87 percent) did not attempt conception. Hormonal status was normal in all 8 patients. Six men had objective evidence of subfertility by semen analysis only, although none had severe oligospermia or asthenospermia and only 1 had severe teratospermia. Five of 9 traumatiz...