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

Objective: To compare the semen quality and hormonal status between patients with testicular cancer and normal versus increased serum levels of beta-hCG.Design: Retrospective study.Setting: Academic 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, E(2), LH, FSH, and PRL.Result(s): Total motile sperm count was decreased in patients with increased beta-hCG (median 11.9 x 10(6)) compared with patients with normal beta-hCG (median 21.5 x 10(6)). Testosterone, E(2), and PRL were significantly higher in patients with increased beta-hCG levels, whereas LH and FSH were lower. Semen quality was significantly and negatively correlated with beta-hCG, E(2), and PRL.Conclusion(s): Patients with increased beta-hCG had an inferior spermatogenesis compared with patients with normal beta-hCG. Increased beta-hCG appears to be associated with impaired spermatogenesis and increased levels of E(2) and PRL. (Fertil Steril (R) 2009;91:2481-6. (c) 2009 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)