Evaluating Testicular Imaging for Azoospermia Diagnosis
Testicular Evaluation of Azoospermia Using Micro-Ultrasound
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 |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | Male |
| Sponsor | Shady Grove Fertility Reproductive Science Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Rockville, Maryland and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06941922 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include men over 18 with confirmed azoospermia or post-vasectomy patients with verified azoospermia.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of prior microdissection of the testes or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using advanced imaging techniques have shown promise in other areas of reproductive health.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Rockville, Maryland and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.