Assessment of testicular core temperatures using microwave thermography

A new method for the reliable assessment of testicular core temperature usi ng microwave technology is presented. This study was designed to assess whe ther alterations in testicular thermoregulation could be reliably demonstra ted in patients with clinically apparent varicoceles (n = 36), in those wit h idiopathic male infertility (n = 52) and in fertile donors (n = 20) using this new microwave thermographic technique. The measurements obtained were found to be reliable and reproducible, Testicular core temperature measure ments were significantly different between the groups (P < 0.001). Furtherm ore, there was a temperature gradient between the scrotal neck and the test icular core in all groups; testicular core temperatures were lower than scr otal neck temperatures, The magnitude of this temperature difference was al so significantly different (P < 0.001) between the groups. Microwave testic ular thermography is a new technique that is safe and accurate, Preliminary results suggest altered testicular thermoregulation in a group of patients with impaired spermatogenesis with and without varicocele, Testicular temp erature profiles obtained by microwave thermography may be of value in the assessment of infertile men with or without a varicocele.