Introduction
Male infertility is a major global health concern, contributing to approximately half of all infertility cases worldwide. It is defined as the inability to achieve conception after one year of regular unprotected intercourse due to male-related factors. Andrology provides the scientific and clinical framework necessary to understand, diagnose, and manage male infertility effectively.
Causes of Male Infertility
The causes of male infertility are multifactorial and include impaired sperm production, abnormal sperm motility or morphology, hormonal imbalances, genetic abnormalities, varicocele, infections, and obstruction of the reproductive tract. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, and exposure to environmental toxins also play a significant role.
Diagnostic Evaluation
Andrological evaluation begins with a detailed medical and reproductive history, followed by a physical examination. Semen analysis remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, assessing sperm count, motility, and morphology. Additional diagnostic tools may include hormonal testing, erotic testing, genetic screening, scrotal ultrasonography, and advanced sperm function tests.
Treatment Strategies
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medical therapy, surgical intervention, lifestyle modification, or assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Individualized treatment planning is essential to optimize reproductive outcomes.
Conclusion
Male infertility is a complex but often treatable condition. Advances in andrology have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic success, offering hope to affected individuals and couples.