Objective: To determine the frequencies and the characteristics of Y chromosome microdeletions in infertile males.
Material and methods: The records of 1616 infertile males were included in the study. The cases were divided into groups according to the infertility etiology and semen analysis. The frequencies and the characteristics of Y chromosome microdeletions were investigated in groups.
Results: Y chromosome microdeletion was detected in 54 (3.3%) of 1616 cases. Microdeletions in the azoospermia factor (AZF) region were the most common (48.1%). When the cases were grouped according to causes of infertility that could be detected, no Y chromosome microdeletions were detected in some groups (cases with Klinefelter Syndrome, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, congenital absence of vas deferens, and 47, XYY karyotype).
Conclusion: Y chromosome microdeletions were detected quite frequently in certain infertility subgroups. Therefore, detailed evaluation of an infertile man by physical examination, semen analysis, hormonal evaluations and when required, karyotype analysis may predict the patients for whom Y chromosome microdeletion analysis is necessary and also prevent cost increases.