CompletedNot Applicable

Sperm Retrieval Rates in Non-obstructive Azoospermic Men Subjected to Gonadotropin Therapy

Brazil616 participantsStarted 2014-02-01

Plain-language summary

Azoospermia is defined as the complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Two-thirds of azoospermic patients have non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA); the latter comprises up to 10% of infertile men overall. NOA is an untreatable testicular disorder associated with spermatogenic failure and is the most severe male infertility phenotype. Among the available surgical sperm retrieval techniques, microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) is the procedure of choice due to its high sperm retrieval success rates (SRR), minimal tissue extraction, and low complication rates. Even with the use of micro-TESE, the likelihood of retrieving sperm in patients with NOA remain suboptimal (40% to 60%). Hypogonadism is detected in approximately half of the patients with NOA. Given the role of intratesticular testosterone (ITT) levels for spermatogenesis, some studies have explored the clinical utility of testosterone optimization by medical therapy before sperm retrieval. Moreover, some investigators have hypothesized that the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) reset might increase the expression of FSH receptors and improve Sertoli cell function. Hormonal therapy with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been shown to improve ITT production and decrease FSH levels in patients with NOA. The investigators, therefore, designed an observational cohort study aiming to evaluate whether hormone stimulation with gonadotropins (e.g., hCG alone or combined with FSH) previous to micro-TESE increases sperm retrieval rates in hypogonadal infertile men with NOA, candidates for sperm retrieval. The investigators hypothesize that optimizing ITT production and resetting FSH levels may improve spermatogenesis and successful sperm recovery.

Who can participate

Age range

21 Years – 55 Years

Sex

MALE

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Exclusion criteria

. Patients subjected to sperm retrieval using percutaneous or non-microsurgical testicular biopsies and those with a history of a previous sperm retrieval attempt.
. Patients who had used any medication with known potential gonadotoxic effects six months before enrollment and patients under gonadotropin treatment who lost follow-up.
. Patients with NOA due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
. Patients who had any number of sperm detected in the ejaculate by routine semen analysis with centrifugation before micro-TESE, including the analysis carried out on the surgery day. The latter relates to the fact that our study is designed to include only patients with NOA confirmed by histopathology, from a specimen obtained during micro-TESE.
. NOA patients with baseline total testosterone levels above 350 ng/dL.

Questions worth asking your doctor

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1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

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Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Sperm retrieval rates

Timeframe: At least 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05110391

SponsorANDROFERT - Clinica de Andrologia e Reproducao Humana

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2021-09-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Non-obstructive Azoospermia trials