Semen cryopreservation in pubertal boys before gonadotoxic treatment and the role of endocrinologic evaluation in predicting sperm yield.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of semen cryopreservation in pubertal boys before they receive gonadotoxic therapy and to identify which pretreatment parameters might predict successful cryopreservation.


METHODS
Retrospective data analysis.


METHODS
Tertiary fertility center, academic children's hospital.


METHODS
Between 1995 and 2005, 80 boys (median age 16.6 years, range 13.7-18.9 years) consulted the outpatient clinic of andrology for semen cryopreservation before a potentially gonadotoxic treatment.


METHODS
We assessed the pretreatment semen parameters, hormone levels, and patients' characteristics.


METHODS
Measurement of the number of adolescents able to cryopreserve semen.


RESULTS
Thirteen boys were unable to produce semen by masturbation. In 53 boys semen quality was adequate for cryopreservation. In 14 patients semen analysis did not show motile spermatozoa, and therefore semen cryopreservation could not be performed. Although inhibin B showed a strong correlation with sperm count, no significant difference was found in serum T, inhibin B, LH, and FSH levels in the patients with or without successful sperm yield. Moreover, median age was not different between patients with and without a successful sperm yield.


CONCLUSIONS
Semen cryopreservation in boys is a feasible method to preserve spermatozoa before gonadotoxic therapy is started and should be offered to all pubertal boys despite their young age. Serum hormone levels do not predict sperm yield.
van Casteren
Niels J
NJ
Department of Urology, Andrology Unit, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Dohle
Gert R
GR
Romijn
Johanens C
JC
de Muinck Keizer-Schrama
Sabine M P F
SM
Weber
Robertus F A
RF
van den Heuvel-Eibrink
Marry M
MM
D000293:Adolescent; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D042341:Gonadal Hormones / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011627:Puberty; D012662:Semen Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*; D013997:Time Factors
D042341:Gonadal Hormones