Evaluation of Testicular Artery Resistive Index in Oligoasthenospermic Infertile Men

Abstract

Background:

Male infertility is commonly caused by oligoasthenospermia, a broad term for oligospermia and asthenozoospermia. Infertility affects 15% of couples worldwide, according to estimates. Men account for 50% of instances overall and are determined to be the only ones accountable for 20% to 30% of infertility cases.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to compare testicular artery Doppler indices in fertile and oligoasthenospermic infertile men.

Methodology:

This case-control study was conducted over 9 months. Calculated sample size was 60 (30 in each group) Inclusion criteria: both fertile and infertile men, age group of 18 to 50 years were included in this study. Independent sample t test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied. P value less than .05 was considered significant.

Results:

For the semen analysis, infertile men had lower sperm volume (23.7 ± 11.2 ml) than fertile men (78.9 ± 9.3 ml). Similarly, sperm motility was significantly reduced in the infertile group (20.8 ± 8.9%) compared with the fertile group (75.2 ± 6.7%). Sperm morphology was another variable showing a significant difference. However, some Doppler indices did reveal significant differences. The pulsatility index (PI) of the right testis was significantly higher in the infertile group (1.5 ± 0.6) than in the fertile group (1.1 ± 0.2). The resistive index (RI) of the right testis also showed a significant increase in infertile men (0.7 ± 0.1) versus fertile men (0.6 ± 0.08). Similarly, the PI and RI values of the left testis were higher in the infertile group (PI: 1.4 ± 0.7, RI: 0.7 ± 0.1) than in the fertile group (PI: 1.09 ± 0.2, RI: 0.60 ± 0.07).

Conclusion:

Oligoasthenospermia correlates well with the Doppler findings, with a significant difference in the PI and RI of the capsular and intratesticular branches of the testicular artery. PI and RI values are higher in infertile men with oligoasthenospermia. It gives a valuable diagnostic and prognostic value if Doppler ultrasound is performed on infertile patients with oligoasthenospermia in routine examination.