HOP-2A - Intratesticular Hormone Levels

We will collect a very small amount of fluid from each testicle. Participation will last up to 12 weeks. The study involves a minimum of 4 visits, the screening visit and procedure Day, fine needle aspiration of the testes (about 1-1.5 hours each) and two follow-up visits (about 30-45 minutes). Over the course of the study, you will have a little less than a 1/3-cup of blood drawn (roughly 2-3 tablespoons at each visit).

Inclusion criteria

• males between 18 and 50 years of age
• sperm count greater than 20 million/ml, greater than 50% motility, and greater than 15% normal morphology
• in good general health based on normal screening evaluation (consisting of a medical history, physical exam, normal sperm count, normal serum chemistry, hematology and baseline T, LH, and FSH levels)
• body mass index ≥18 and ≤32 kg/m2
• must agree not to participate in another research study involving drug exposure for the duration of the study

Exclusion criteria

• men in poor general health, with abnormal blood results
• sperm counts <20 million/ml on two tests
• chronic, ongoing alcohol or drug abuse
• participation in a long-term male contraceptive study within the past three months
• history of testicular or scrotal surgery
• history of infertility
• abnormal testicular exam
• abnormal DRE
• chronic pain syndrome
• use of steroids, testosterone, or medications which might interfere with androgen metabolism including ketoconazole, glucocorticoids
• known bleeding disorder
• use of medications which may affect bleeding time (ongoing aspirin or anti-inflammatory use, coumadin)