Introduction
Male infertility is a major global health issue, contributing to approximately half of infertility cases among couples. Despite its prevalence, male infertility often remains underdiagnosed due to social stigma and lack of awareness. Andrology offers a comprehensive medical framework for understanding and managing male reproductive failure.
Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility may result from hormonal disturbances, genetic abnormalities, varicocele, infections of the reproductive tract, testicular injury, or obstructive disorders. Lifestyle-related factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, sleep deprivation, and exposure to environmental toxins significantly impair sperm production and quality.
Andrological Diagnostic Approach
Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical and reproductive history, followed by physical examination. Semen analysis is the cornerstone of evaluation, assessing sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality. Advanced diagnostic tools include hormonal profiling, genetic testing, erotic testing, scrotal ultrasonography, and sperm DNA integrity analysis.
Therapeutic Management
Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause and may include medical therapy, surgical correction, lifestyle modification, nutritional intervention, or assisted reproductive technologies. Andrology emphasizes individualized treatment based on scientific evidence and patient-specific factors.
Conclusion
Male infertility is frequently manageable when diagnosed early. Andrological evaluation and targeted treatment significantly improve fertility outcomes and psychological well-being.