Aspects of Early Detection of Testicular Cancer and Cancer-Related Infertility

Abstract

Infertility is referred to by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the inability of a couple to achieve pregnancy within one year of regular unprotected intercourse[l]. About 15o/o of couples who do not achieve pregnancy within 1 year seek medical treatment for infertility. Eventually, So/o of them remain childless against their wishes. Infertility affects both men and women. In 50% of involuntarily childless couples, a male infertility associated factor is identified together with abnormal semen parameters. Several factors can be responsible for impaired male fertility: congenital or acquired urogenital abnormalities, urogenital tract infections, increased scrotal temperature (such as that caused by varicocele), endocrine disturbances, genetic abnormalities, immunological factors and testicular deficiency. Nonetheless, in 30-40% of men with abnormal semen parameters no cause can be found, which is then named idiopathic male infertility.