Fertility in unilateral cryptorchidism: review of 104 cases

Testicular maldescent adversely affects spermatogenesis; therefore the primary purpose of its correction is to preserve subsequent fertility. However, many patients, even with unilateral cryptorchidism, are infertile in spite of successful prepubertal orchidopexy. Out of 104 patients treated for unilateral cryptorchidism before puberty, a decreased sperm density (spermatic concentration less than 20 x 106/ml) was observed in 64 cases (61,54%), a normal sperm count in 32 cases (30,77%) and azoospermia in the remaining 8 cases (7,69%). Both congenital and acquired abnormalities may be associated with development of bilateral testicular impairment in unilateral cryptorchid males.