Semen quality in men with disseminated testicular cancer: relation with human chorionic gonadotropin β-subunit and pituitary gonadal hormones

ObjectiveTo compare the semen quality and hormonal status between patients with testicular cancer and normal versus increased serum levels of β-hCG.DesignRetrospective study.SettingAcademic research environment.Patient(s)All 203 patients with testicular cancer who required chemotherapy in the period 1995–2003 were included.Intervention(s)In 107 patients semen samples were stored by cryopreservation; 62 patients could be analyzed because both semen was stored and hormones were determined before starting chemotherapy (median age 25 years, range 17–49 years).Main Outcome Measure(s)Total motile sperm count, T, E2, LH, FSH, and PRL.Result(s)Total motile sperm count was decreased in patients with increased β-hCG (median 11.9 × 106) compared with patients with normal β-hCG (median 21.5 × 106). Testosterone, E2, and PRL were significantly higher in patients with increased β-hCG levels, whereas LH and FSH were lower. Semen quality was significantly and negatively correlated with β-hCG, E2, and PRL.Conclusion(s)Patients with increased β-hCG had an inferior spermatogenesis compared with patients with normal β-hCG. Increased β-hCG appears to be associated with impaired spermatogenesis and increased levels of E2 and PRL.