The report guides you on the requirement of testicular surgeries – varicocelectomy (surgery for correction of engorged veins), which is unsuccessful in 80% of men, or testicular biopsy for sperm extraction. For the vast majority of men, much less invasive methods such as hormonal therapy may enhance their sperm parameters.
Science
Genes/Regions tested: SRY, AZFa, AZFb, AZFc (reflex testing for AMELxy and Yq heterochromatin)
The Y chromosome is particularly susceptible to microdeletions that cannot be detected by cytogenetics (karyotyping), but require specialized molecular tests such as this panel. Identifying the particular region of deletion will help in both predicting response to certain therapies as well as advise therapies and further steps to fatherhood based on the results.
References
European Association of Urology 2014, Guidelines on male infertility
American Society for Reproductive Medicine 2012, (Committee opinion in) Fertility and Sterility 98
American Urological Association 2011, The optimal evaluation of the infertile male: best practice statement