Table 1 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

- Male gender

- Female gender

- Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 60 years

- Age ≥ 60 years

- Primary, reducible inguinal hernias

- Period of high fever prior to semen analysis

- Bilateral hernias

- Recurrent inguinal hernias

- Eligible for TEP (and therefore for general anesthesia)

- Unilateral hernias

- Hydrocele and/or varicocele

- Femoral or scrotal hernias

- Incarcerated hernias

- ASA classification ≥ III

- Previous medical history of:

 ·Testicular infection(s)

 ·Testicular torsion

 ·Cryptorchidism

 ·Inguinal, scrotal, testicular or prostate surgery

 ·Vasectomy

 ·Radiotherapy of pelvic region

 ·Diabetes Mellitus

 ·Cystic Fibrosis

 ·Fertility problems and/or treatment, erection disorders or (other) problems in sexual function

 ·Use of gonadotrofine medication

 ·Use of anabolic steroids