ANAHEIM, CA (UroToday.com) - In recent years, the age of men undergoing transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TUSGBx) has been decreasing. Thus, younger men who are likely to be more concerned with their fertility are undergoing prostate biopsy. The authors hypothesized that transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate may have affect semen parameters and fertility. A prospective study was conducted of men undergoing prostate biopsy. Semen analyses were prior to biopsy and one week after and 2-4 months following biopsy.

Semen parameters assessed included:

• 1) ejaculate volume 2) sperm concentration
• 3) total sperm count and
• 4) total motile sperm counts.

Sperm concentration decreased in 5 of 12 patients (average 44%; specimen 1 vs. 2). Two of the 7men providing a third specimen demonstrated a decreased sperm concentration. The average percentage decrease for those 2 patients was 41%. Three of the 7 men that provided a third specimen had total sperm counts that remained decreased (average 35%) from their pre-biopsy specimen. Total motile sperm counts decreased (average 35%) in 7 out of 12 patients from specimen 1 to 2. Of the 7 men that provided a third specimen, 3 had total motile sperm counts that remained decreased (average 43%) from their pre-biopsy specimen. The authors concluded that transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate does appear to have an immediate impact on semen parameters. In some patients, these changes are sustained at 2-4 months.

Editorial Comment:
This study raises and addresses and important clinical question that needs to be resolved as more younger men are subjected to prostate biopsies. The possibility that fertility may be adversely impacted in some patients should be discussed. This may be important for some men who may have impaired semen parameters prior to biopsy. Further investigation is warranted.

Presented By: Andrew D Smith, Patricia Spuma, Harris M Nagler. New York, NY.

[ ABST1798 ]

UroToday.com Full Conference Reports

Written by Harris M. Nagler, MD, a Contributing Editor with UroToday.

Please log-in or register in order to submit comments.

Powered by AkoComment!