Testicular trauma: potential impact on reproductive function

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.

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.

Of the 8 patients 1 (13%) achieved and 7 (87%) 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 traumatized testes were atrophic. Interestingly, only 1 patient had antisperm antibodies, the levels of which were probably low enough to be clinically insignificant.

There was definite evidence of subfertility as assessed by abnormal semen analyses and atrophic testes following testicular trauma. However, the subfertility did not appear to be immune mediated nor did the patients present with infertility. Since only 1 patient had severely compromised fertility according to semen analysis we conclude that early repair can help preserve hormonal function as well as fertility.