Abstract: Aspects of the methods include volumetrically imaging testicular tissue by optical coherence tomography to identify a testicular tissue location that is likely to contain sperm; and m-mode scanning using optical coherence tomography the identified testicular location to determine whether sperm are at least likely to be present at the location. Methods may further include harvesting sperm from the location, e.g., for use in in vitro fertilization. Also provided are devices and systems for practicing the methods.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the discovery that stem cells (e.g., bone marrow stem cells) transplanted directly into a testicular environment are transdifferentiated into bona fide Sertoli cells, and/or Leydig cells, and/or and germ cells. This provides a mechanism for the treatment of male infertility and/or testosterone deficiency. Thus, in one embodiment, this invention provides a method of treating infertility or testosterone deficiency in a male mammal. The method typically involves implanting stem cells into the testes of the mammal whereby the stem cells differentiate into germ cells and/or Sertoli cells and/or Leydig cells thereby reducing infertility and/or testosterone deficiency.