[Cryptorchidism and fertility: an assessment in adulthood]

Impairment of fertility rate has been found to be associated with cryptorchidism. In this study we assessed the fertility of 172 adult subjects with unilateral and bilateral cryptorchidism who underwent surgical correction in pediatric age. Fertility has been evaluated by sperm analysis. Moreover test of function of spermatozoa membrane (swelling-test) and the research of antisperm antibodies (spermmar test) were carried out. The report presents data demonstrating that the fertility rate in patients with bilateral cryptorchidism is markedly reduced if compared with subjects affected by unilateral cryptorchidism. Azoospermia is present in 18% of bilateral cryptorchids. The timing of surgery and the anatomical position of the cryptorchid testes do not seem to affect the fertility rate.