Objectives

To learn about the genetic basis of infertility and testis cancer, to characterize the expression of specific genes that may contribute to infertility and testis cancer. Three groups of men, normal, infertile, and men with testis cancer will be studied.

Eligibility

All patients will undergo a formal interview and assessments with a physician to determine their eligibility.

Men with normal spermatogenesis but no sperm in the ejaculate because of blockage in the excurrent ducts. Patients in this group will be men under 50 years old with no known infertility or testis cancer risk factors. These patients will have known blockages in the ducts of the reproductive system from one of the following etiologies: idiopathic or inflammatory epididymal obstruction, iatrogenic vasal obstruction (vasectomy, hernia repair), and congenital atresia or absence of the vas or seminal vesicles.

Men with a diagnosis of testis cancer who are planning curative primary surgery with radical orchiectomy.

Infertile men with no sperm in the ejaculate (azoospermia) because of spermatogenic failure). These men are <50 years of age and have a history of >1 year of infertility. A semen analysis demonstrates azoospermia, and a testis biopsy shows spermatogenic arrest or germ cell absence.