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Urology  (Expert Forum)
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Retractable testicle and Pure Seminoma
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.

Retractable testicle and Pure Seminoma

by Rick-Bunch, Jun 09, 1998 12:00AM
  I am a 31 year old male.  In 1983, I underwent a physical
  examination by a doctor who discovered that I had an undecended
  testicle (As a young man, I was shy about letting my parents
  know about my problem).  I explained to the doctor that the
  testicle was once descended, but had ascended one night after I
  had slept (I know this is unusual and I don't think the doctor
  believed me).  Following this examination, I underwent surgery to
  remove the testicle.  After the surgery, I was told everything
  was a complete success.  
  So here I am now 15 years later. I had yet another surgery to
  remove a tumor from my adominal (abdominal) area.  It seems in my previous
  surgery that the testicle was not removed at all!!!  I am OK now
  except that I am sterile.  My question to is why am I sterile??
  My current doctors give me conflicting answers.  Some say it was
  the radiation treatments and others say it may have been the
  cancer itself and yet others say they are not sure.
  I know this is rather long and complicated, but I would really
  appreciate any suggestions or comments.
  Thanks
  R Bunch  
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Mr Bunch
Thanks for your questions.
The undescended testes is believed to be abnormal on the cellular level and is at risk of having a tumor form in it.  We also know that the other testicle, proven by biopsy, is often abnormal and also at an increased  risk of  tumor development .   In other words, men with undescended testicles have a  higher risk of being subfertile.  
To better understand the cause for your sterility, an infertility  work-up will be required. This may include  a semen analysis, hormone levels and possible biospy of the other testicle or a rectal ultrasound to look at the prostate area where the semen ducts come in to the urethra.  If there was no cause found, you may learn your chances for successful  in-vitro fertilization or other assisted reproductive tecniques..
Unless your other testicle was irradiated ( not shielded ) , the chances of being sterile from the radiation alone is rare.  Chemotherapy has a higher occurrence of sterility than irradiation.  
Fertility and Urologic Oncology care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling  (1 800 653 6568). Dr. Fleming is our fertility specialist   We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians’ notes and lab test results that you  may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely;
HFHS-M.D. MS
* Keyword: sterility, irradiation , testes tumors, undescended testes




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