I have the pleasure to welcome Doctor Eve Feinberg as a new writer for this blog. Dr. Feinberg is board-certified in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University in Chicago and completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Feinberg is nationally recognized in the field of Reproductive Medicine serves as an active member of both The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Practice Committee and the Editorial Board of Fertility and Sterility. Welcome, Doctor Feinberg!
Male Health
A blog about male fertility, potency and health by Craig Niederberger MD FACS.
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Dear Dr. Niederberger,
I know you aren’t able to answer personal questions on the site, but I’m wondering if you might by chance have time to share a post or email on the subject of testicular failure. A reproductive endocrinologist recently diagnosed my husband with testicular failure based on bloodwork and a semen analysis (she has never met him). He had normal T, high FSH & LH, and low sperm count. She said that he was “in the midst of testicular failure”, and noted that there is no way to diagnose or treat the underlying cause. She discouraged me from seeking the opinion of a urologist or other male specialist because “no one knows anything about male infertility.” Are there things that can be done to stop or reverse testicular failure, and are there tools available for diagnosis? Is it worth it to try and see a specialist?
The endocrinologist is having him tested for Klinefelter’s, but noted that the odds of this being the cause were extremely slim. My husband had thyroid cancer years ago, and was treated with a thyroidectomy combined with radioactive iodine therapy. I wonder if this is somehow related.
Thank you,
A concerned and desperate spouse (who did read the FAQs, and would love any information on testicular failure, and understands that you cannot comment directly on my husband’s case.)
Concerned, I feel for you and your spouse. What’s defined as a “diagnosis”, especially in today’s medical labeling morass, often doesn’t fully describe what’s happening. “Testis failure” is a good example of a diagnostic label that’s too general to be useful. Your husband would benefit from seeing a healthcare professional experienced in male reproductive medicine that could address his specific issues.