The testicular biopsy is done during the evaluation of infertilility in men that do not have sperm in the ejaculate--azoospermia. The testis biopsy is essentially done to differentiate between the 2 causes of azoospermia--obstruction vs testis failure. Testis biopsies will typically reveal 1 of several possible pathology types:
- Normal
- Hypospermatogenesis
- Germ Cell Aplasia
- Inflammation
Testis biopsies are not performed, in general, in the evaluation of a testicular mass or tumor, such as testicular cancer.
The testis biopsy is a diagnostic procedure only and does not, in and of itself, help couples become pregnant. Occasionally, a testis biopsy is done in conjunction with a testicular sperm aspiration.
The above testis biopsy result was from a patient with azoospermia and shows hypospermatogenesis.
Thanks.
The IU.
