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Testicular function after unilateral bacterial epididymo-orchitis.
1Department of Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Surulere, Nigeria.
European Urology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Bacterial gonadal infections like epididymo-orchitis can cause male infertility. Two years post-infection, most men showed inadequate semen quality, indicating potential permanent fertility loss.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Male infertility is a significant health concern.
- Bacterial infections of the reproductive organs may contribute to male infertility.
- Gonococcal urethritis followed by epididymo-orchitis is a specific infection pattern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of gonococcal epididymo-orchitis on male fertility.
- To determine if bacterial gonadal infection leads to lasting infertility.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 45 young men with gonococcal epididymo-orchitis.
- Fertility assessment included paternity history, semen analysis, FSH levels, and testicular biopsy.
- Evaluations were conducted before and two years after infection.
Main Results:
- Pre-infection, all 14 married subjects had proven fertility.
- Two years post-infection, only 21% of fathers and 40% of all subjects had adequate semen for conception.
- Testicular damage was bilateral despite unilateral clinical presentation.
- Semen values in many subjects indicated infertility or subfertility.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial gonadal infections can cause permanent azoospermia or oligospermia.
- These infections are a significant cause of male-related infertility and barrenness.
- Early and comprehensive fertility evaluation is crucial after such infections.