title: The impact of shock wave lithotripsy on male fertility: a critical analysis of existing evidence.
abstract: We review the literature about the impact of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) on male reproduction. Studies investigating the in vitro effect of shock waves on semen samples indicate that spermatozoa are vulnerable to SWL. According to animal studies, intratesticular bleeding is common, but pregnancy rates are not affected by shock waves. In the clinical setting, SWL causes an acute deterioration in sperm quality, but semen parameters return to baseline 3 months later. Long-term data on male fertility (ie, pregnancy rates) after SWL have yet to be reported and the significance of preexisting infertility has not been elucidated to date.
authors.affiliation: Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK. brucemed@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Prodromos
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Philippou
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Ralph
authors.forename: Anthony G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Timoney
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004249:DNA Damage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D018873:Pregnancy Rate; D012661:Semen / Q000528:radiation effects*; D055101:Semen Analysis; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000528:radiation effects*