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Testicular microlithiasis and dyspermia: is there any correlation?
Francesco Catanzariti1, Ubaldo Cantoro, Vito Lacetera
1Polytechnic University of Marche, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Odontostomatologic and Specialized Clinical Sciences, Urology Clinic, Department of General and Specialized Surgery, University Hospital, Ancona. fracatanzariti@libero.it.
Summary
Testicular microlithiasis (MT) does not appear to affect sperm quality. This study found comparable semen analysis results between men with MT and those with normal testicular ultrasounds.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Andrology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Testicular microlithiasis (MT) is a rare ultrasound finding with a prevalence of 0.7-6%.
- Previous research suggests a potential link between MT and increased testicular cancer risk.
- The association between MT and dyspermia (impaired sperm quality) remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MT in a specific patient cohort.
- To compare sperm quality in patients with MT versus a control group with normal testicular ultrasounds.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 277 testicular ultrasound examinations.
- Selected 11 patients with MT and 86 controls with normal ultrasounds.
- Performed semen analysis using WHO 2010 criteria for all participants.
Main Results:
- Among patients with MT, 63.63% exhibited dyspermia.
- In the control group, 59.3% had dyspermia, and 4.65% were azoospermic.
- The odds ratio for dyspermia between the groups was 0.99 (p=0.98), indicating no significant difference.
Conclusions:
- This preliminary study suggests that testicular microlithiasis does not significantly impact sperm quality.
- Spermiogram results were comparable between the MT and control groups.
- Further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these findings.
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