Testicular Biopsy

Biopsy, Testicular

Why It Is Done

A testicular biopsy may, on rare occasions, be done to help determine the cause of male infertility. Testicular biopsy may be done if both of the following are present:

• The man's semen has an abnormal sperm count.
• Hormone test results are within the normal range.

Testicular biopsy is not usually used to detect testicular cancer. When cancer is suspected, an open surgical procedure (orchiectomy) is done to confirm the diagnosis.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: February 20, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology
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