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Copyright of Nishinihon Journal of Urology is the property of West Japan Urological Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nishinihon Journal of Urology is the property of West Japan Urological Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The recommended age at which to carry out orchiopexy for cryptorchidism has shifted from 4 to 6 years old for cosmetic reasons, to less than 2 years old and less than 1.5 years old according to the guidelines in Japan and AUA/EAU, respectively, because the purpose of orchiopexy has changed to become focused on the preservation of spermatogenesis. Epidemiological data have also supported these revised ages because spontaneous testicular descent is not expected beyond 6 months after birth. Furthermore, histological studies using testicular biopsy specimens at orchiopexy have shown a decreased number of germ cells, mainly spermatogonia, after 2 years of age, in the undescended testes. On the other hand, no distinct conclusion with regard to future paternity has been fully investigated. Should the testes during the infantile period be cooled when active DNA synthesis in the germ cell is not present ? Based on the findings that testicular temperature in cryptorchid patients is higher than in those without cryptorchidism and that the temperature is decreased after orchiopexy following the preferable development of the testis, infantile testes should be cooled and the age at orchiopexy as described in the current guidelines is reasonable. Further investigations regarding individualized management for cryptorchidism are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around half the cases in need of assisted reproductive technology (ART), for example in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), are caused by male factors. The majority of couples should be encouraged to undergo ART in this era of advanced marriage age, however, treatment of male factors such as varicocele, obstructive azoospermia and endocrine disorders is strongly recommended for couples who want to conceive without ART. Furthermore, accumulating evidence suggests that treatment of male infertility improves ART outcomes, which will be partially explained by improving sperm quality for reducing seminal oxidative stress and sperm DNA fragmentation. The role of urologists regarding male infertility treatment in the era of ART should be classified and focused on the following : 1 ) to treat reversible causes of male infertility, 2 ) to appropriately manage untreatable pathologies, 3 ) to provide suitable sperms for ART, 4 ) to diagnose and treat life-threatening diseases. By cooperating with gynecologists, urologists should effectively evaluate and treat male factors to provide the best outcomes for infertility treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nishinihon Journal of Urology is the property of West Japan Urological Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Nishinihon Journal of Urology is the property of West Japan Urological Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)