Male fertility testing

Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism, is the medical term for un-descended testes. The testes lie at the base of the abdominal cavity before birth and should drop into the scrotum shortly before or just after birth.

If they do not descended properly a short dose of medication or a simple operation may be required to move them into the correct position.

This condition is not rare affecting around 2 to 3% or all normal male births and usually leads to no lasting effects.

This condition occurs in the majority of a specific form of inherited type of Kallmann's syndrome, called x-linked Kallmann's syndrome, and is a major indicator to having Kallmann's if it is combined with a total lack of sense of smell.

If they remain un-descended after the first year of life it can lead to a increased risk of infertility. The testes need to be outside the body at a cooler temperature than the rest of the body in order to function correctly.

Testicular Biopsy

A doctor may order a biopsy of one of the testes in order to determine if they still have the capacity to function correctly. A small piece of tissue is removed from one of the testicles and examined under a microscope.

In male KS or HH the testes will be non-functioning due to lack of stimulation form the pituitary hormones. They will remain small in size, not increasing from read more