Induction of spermatogenesis in idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with gonadotropins in older men.
We investigated the treatment results in 6 azoospermic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) cases that remained untreated 41-47 years of age. Medical history, physical examination, hormone profile measurements, peripheral blood karyotype, skull X-ray and/or magnetic resonance imaging were performed. Patients received 1,000 to 5,000 IU hCG, 2-3 times per week, and 75 to 150 IU hMG, 2-3 times per week for 24 months. Serum testosterone levels were assessed every month for maximum 6 months to evaluate optimal dose of treatment and then every 3 months thereafter. Sperm counts were assessed every 3 months. Testosterone level increased from 2.7 +/- 0.9 mIU/L to 22 +/- 7.04 mIU/L with treatment; testicular volume increased by 4.6 ml during the treatment. Sperm were detected in the ejaculate in 3 out of 6 patients on the 22nd, 18th, and 15th month of treatment. 3 patients underwent testicular biopsy; histopathology revealed tubular hyalinization. Spermatogenesis in older men with IHH was restored by exogenous gonadotropins.
Department of Urology, Afyon Kocatepe University, School of Medicine, Turkey. msamli@tr.net
M Murat
MM
Samli
M
M
Demirbas
C
C
Guler
D004542:Ejaculation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007621:Karyotyping; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013091:Spermatogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000033:anatomy & histology