Comparison of the Effects of Vasectomy and Experimental Cryptorchidism in Rats

Abstract

Summary: Vasectomy is a male contraception method that its side effects and reversibility rate are still controversial. Effects of vasectomy on epididymal morphology and function, which plays a crucial role in sperm maturation and storage, have not yet fully described. Therefore the present study was planned to find out the effects of vasectomy on epididymal structure, and comparisons of these effects were also made with the effects of a persistent infertility model, experimental cryptorchidism.To do this, 15 male Swiss albino rats were divided into 3 groups. While 5 animals were sham -operated, the rest were undergone either vasectomy (5 rats) or experimental cryptorchidism (5 rats) procedures. Epididymal tissue samples were collected prepared for light microscopy. Tissue sections were stained using appropriate staining techniques and evaluated under the light microscope.While there were distinct alterations in the epididymal morphology following experimental cryptorchidism, vasectomized rat epididymal features seemed similar to those seen in the sham -operated group. In conclusion, it could be suggested that the vasectomy might be a convenient method for male contraception.