Fertility Outcomes in Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia Due to Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism After Gonadotropin Therapy

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is an uncommon but treatable cause of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Fertility can often be restored with gonadotropin therapy. This study evaluated spermatogenic and reproductive outcomes in men with HH-related NOA managed by stepwise gonadotropin therapy, microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) for persistent azoospermia, and assisted reproduction when indicated. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective cohort study included 35 men treated between 2010 and 2022. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), with or without follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), was administered to induce spermatogenesis. Outcomes included sperm appearance in the ejaculate, microTESE sperm retrieval rate in persistent azoospermia, and pregnancy and live birth outcomes after natural conception or in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) when required. <b>Results:</b> Mean gonadotropin therapy duration was 12.0 months (range 6-24). Sperm appeared in the ejaculate in 27/35 men (77%). The remaining 8/35 (23%) underwent microTESE, with sperm retrieved in 7/8 (88%). Seven couples proceeded to IVF-ICSI, undergoing 11 cycles that yielded 6 clinical pregnancies (55% per cycle) and 5 live birth deliveries, including 2 twin pregnancies. Among responders, 13 natural pregnancies occurred, resulting in 13 live birth deliveries, including 2 twin pregnancies. Overall, 18/35 men (51%) achieved biological fatherhood, corresponding to 18 live birth delivery events (4 twin and 14 singleton deliveries) and 22 newborns. <b>Conclusions:</b> In men with HH-related NOA, exogenous gonadotropin therapy is expected to induce spermatogenesis in most patients. MicroTESE provides high sperm retrieval rates for those without ejaculatory sperm. Through an integrated approach of hormonal induction, microsurgical sperm retrieval, and assisted reproduction, approximately half of patients may ultimately achieve biological fatherhood in longer-term follow-up, depending on baseline severity and partner factors.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2026-02-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15031204
Primary Topic
Sperm and Testicular Function
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Fertility Outcomes in Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia Due to Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism After Gonadotropin Therapy

Fotios Dimitriadis, MICHAEL CHRISOFOS, Athanasios Zachariou, S. Skouros et al.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Sperm and Testicular Function
article

Fertility Outcomes in Men with Nonobstructive Azoospermia Due to Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism After Gonadotropin Therapy

Fotios Dimitriadis, MICHAEL CHRISOFOS, Athanasios Zachariou, S. Skouros, Grigorios Daligaros, Aris Kaltsas, Sotirios Koukos, Athanasios Zikopoulos, Eleftheria Markou, Nikolaos Sofikitis
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives:</b> Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is an uncommon but treatable cause of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Fertility can often be restored with gonadotropin therapy. This study evaluated spermatogenic and reproductive outcomes in men with HH-related NOA managed by stepwise gonadotropin therapy, microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) for persistent azoospermia, and assisted reproduction when indicated. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective cohort study included 35 men treated between 2010 and 2022. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), with or without follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), was administered to induce spermatogenesis. Outcomes included sperm appearance in the ejaculate, microTESE sperm retrieval rate in persistent azoospermia, and pregnancy and live birth outcomes after natural conception or in vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) when required. <b>Results:</b> Mean gonadotropin therapy duration was 12.0 months (range 6-24). Sperm appeared in the ejaculate in 27/35 men (77%). The remaining 8/35 (23%) underwent microTESE, with sperm retrieved in 7/8 (88%). Seven couples proceeded to IVF-ICSI, undergoing 11 cycles that yielded 6 clinical pregnancies (55% per cycle) and 5 live birth deliveries, including 2 twin pregnancies. Among responders, 13 natural pregnancies occurred, resulting in 13 live birth deliveries, including 2 twin pregnancies. Overall, 18/35 men (51%) achieved biological fatherhood, corresponding to 18 live birth delivery events (4 twin and 14 singleton deliveries) and 22 newborns. <b>Conclusions:</b> In men with HH-related NOA, exogenous gonadotropin therapy is expected to induce spermatogenesis in most patients. MicroTESE provides high sperm retrieval rates for those without ejaculatory sperm. Through an integrated approach of hormonal induction, microsurgical sperm retrieval, and assisted reproduction, approximately half of patients may ultimately achieve biological fatherhood in longer-term follow-up, depending on baseline severity and partner factors.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 15(3)
University of Ioannina (GR), National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (GR), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (GR), Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust (GB), Royal Cornwall Hospital (GB), University Hospital of Ioannina (GR)
University of Ioannina
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 69%
Sperm and Testicular Function
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