Do positional variations of epididymis affect infertility?

To determine the ratio of epididymal position variations and whether this had any effect on seminal parameters.

Scrotal examination results and epididymal positions were retrospectively assessed in subjects presenting to our clinic for infertility, varicocele, and sexual developmental delay. Scrotal examination consisted of epididymal position, testicular volumes, and vas deferens and varicocele presence. The subjects were categorized according to sperm counts per mL. Data were assessed whether there was a significant difference in terms of epididymal positions among the groups.

A total of 5812 epididymides were examined. There was no significant difference with respect to one or two epididymides being in an anterior position between the groups allocated with respect to a sperm count above 15 million per mL, between 5 and 15 million per mL, and below 5 million per mL (p=0.542). Sperm counts and motility did not differ according to the position of the epididymis in analyzes performed separately within each group.

Positional variations of epididymis can be seen at a considerable rate. Nevertheless, there was no clear relationship between these variations and infertility. In terms of avoiding possible misdiagnoses and treatment complications possible epididymal position variations should be kept in mind during clinical practice.