Correlation of Serum FSH and Rate of Testicular Sperm Retrieval in Non-Obstructive Azoospermia

BACKGROUND: Sperm retrieval from men with azoospermia has evolved in recent times, providing patient hope for fulfilling their dream of having their own genetic child through testicular sperm extraction followed by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (TESE-ICSI). In the present study, we are correlating the serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels and the rate of testicular sperm retrieval. AIM: To correlate the serum FSH levels with surgically retrieved sperms from testes in non-obstructive azoospermia. METHOD: Sixty-six men presenting with male infertility, diagnosed with non-obstructive azoospermia based on standard guidelines were included in the study. The surgically retrieved tissue was washed in 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) gamete buffer media and scanned under an inverted microscope at ×400. Outcome analysis was assessed through sperm retrieval rate. RESULT: Testicular sperms were successfully retrieved in 62% (41/66) of men. Sperm retrieval rate (SRR) with FSH values (Group A <10, Group B 10–20 and Group C >20) mIU/mL were 84% (26/31), 75% (12/16) and 15% (3/19), respectively. CONCLUSION: Chances of sperm retrieval in non-obstructive azoospermia using surgically retrieved sperm are as common for men with FSH levels <10 mIU/mL with 84% (26/31) retrieval as for the borderline 10–20 mIU/mL FSH levels with 75% (12/16) retrieval. We do have retrieved sperms with >20 IU/mL serum FSH also which is not a contradiction for TESE for such patients; however, such patient’s need to be counselled about the chances of successful sperm retrieval and the consequent pregnancy outcomes.