Evaluating Testicular Imaging for Azoospermia Diagnosis
Official title: Testicular Evaluation of Azoospermia Using Micro-Ultrasound
Run by Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center · NCT06941922 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special type of ultrasound can help doctors see differences in the tiny tubes in the testicles of men with no sperm and help figure out why that’s happening.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Men only |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rockville, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | July 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06941922 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include men over 18 with confirmed azoospermia or post-vasectomy patients with verified azoospermia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a history of prior microdissection of the testes or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the feasibility of using micro-ultrasound technology to visualize seminiferous tubules in men with azoospermia and healthy controls. By employing high-resolution imaging, the study seeks to identify differences in tubule structure that may aid in diagnosing the underlying causes of azoospermia. The study will involve imaging 40 participants, including those with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia, to determine if micro-ultrasound can effectively differentiate between normal and atrophic tubules. The findings will inform the design of future studies in this area.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance diagnostic accuracy for azoospermia, potentially improving treatment outcomes for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using advanced imaging techniques have shown promise in other areas of reproductive health.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Men with azoospermia confirmed based on semen analysis 2. Post-vasectomy patients with verified azoospermia after the procedure 3. Men pre-vasectomy with proven natural fertility or with normal semen analysis 4. Males assigned at birth over the age of 18 Exclusion criteria: 1. History of prior microdissection of the testes 2. History of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Where it's running
-
Shady Grove Fertility
Rockville, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul R Shin, MD — Shady Grove Fertility
- Study coordinator: Paul R Shin, MD
- Email: paul.shin@sgfertility.com
- Phone: 202-296-2595
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Identifying genetic variants in non-obstructive azoospermia and primary ovarian insufficiency
This project will collect DNA from adults with NOA, oligospermia, or POI to try to find gene changes that may cause their infertility.
-
IntelliWell: AI imaging to find ultra-rare sperm in testicular tissue
This will try an AI-assisted imaging platform to find rare sperm in testicular samples from men with non-obstructive azoospermia when standard processing finds no sperm.
-
Enhancing fertility using stem cell therapy for gonadal dysfunction
This study is testing if stem cell therapy can help people with gonadal failure, like testicular or ovarian issues, improve their hormone levels and fertility when other treatments haven't worked.
-
Using platelet rich plasma to treat infertility in men
This study is testing if using platelet-rich plasma injections can help men with infertility, specifically those who have had trouble retrieving sperm, improve their chances of successful sperm extraction and IVF.
-
Needle aspiration of sperm from the testis in men with azoospermia
This study tests if a special needle procedure can help men with no sperm in their semen produce sperm from their testis for use in fertility treatments.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.