Sperm Retrieval in Men With AZFc Microdeletions Is Independent of Age but Associated With Intermediate Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Levels

INTRODUCTION: Y-chromosome microdeletions, particularly in the azoospermia factor c (AZFc) region, are a common genetic cause of male infertility. This study evaluates sperm retrieval rates (SRRs) and testicular histology across age groups in men with isolated AZFc deletions. METHODS: tests compared histology and SRR. Multivariable logistic regression assessed factors associated with successful sperm retrieval. RESULTS: = .80). On multivariable analysis, age older than 35 years (odds ratio [OR] 0.82, 95% CI [0.28-2.40]) and the presence of spermatogenesis during biopsy (OR 1.66, 95% CI [0.59-4.69]) were not associated with SRR. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels between 12.4 and 24.0 mIU/mL were associated with higher SRR (OR 7.04, 95% CI [1.83-27.1]). CONCLUSIONS: Patient age was not a strong predictor of sperm retrieval success in men with complete AZFc deletion. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels within an intermediate range were associated with higher SRRs, suggesting that hormonal context may inform patient counseling. Reproductive urologists should counsel patients that age alone is unlikely to meaningfully influence sperm retrieval.