Cryptozoospermia is a sperm count of less than 100,000 in the ejaculate. The cause of cryptozoospermia can be obstructive or secretory. Therefore, an analysis of the hormones FSH and Inhibin B could identify the type of cryptozoospermia, as FSH is produced at the pituitary level, while Inhibin B is produced at the testicular level.
Both hormones are involved in sperm formation, but at different levels. For example, if FSH levels are high and Inhibin B levels are low, spermatogenesis will be impaired at the testicular level. In this case, cryptozoospermia would be secretory.
However, if FSH and Inhibin B levels are normal, sperm production is not impaired. In this situations, cryptozoospermia is obstructive.
Read the full article on: Cryptozoospermia – Definition, Causes, Treatment & Pregnancy ( 44).
By Ismael Vilella Amorós B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Marta Barranquero Gómez B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Paula Fabra Roca M.D., M.Sc. (gynecologist), Yolanda Galiana Briones B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Zaira Salvador B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist), Cristina Algarra Goosman B.Sc., M.Sc. (psychologist) and Michelle Lorraine Embleton B.Sc. Ph.D. (biochemist).
Last Update: 07/26/2022
