Introduction
Male infertility is a major global health issue, contributing to nearly half of all infertility cases among couples. It is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse due to male-related factors. Andrology provides the scientific framework necessary to understand, evaluate, and manage male infertility.
Causes of Male Infertility
The etiology of male infertility is multifactorial. Common causes include impaired sperm production, abnormal sperm motility or morphology, hormonal imbalance, varicocele, genetic disorders, infections, and obstruction of the reproductive tract. Lifestyle and environmental factors—such as smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, and exposure to toxins—also significantly affect male fertility.
Diagnostic Approach
The andrological evaluation of infertility begins with a detailed medical and reproductive history, followed by a physical examination. Semen analysis remains the cornerstone of diagnosis, providing information on sperm count, erotic testing, motility, and morphology. Additional investigations may include hormonal testing, genetic analysis, scrotal ultrasonography, and advanced sperm function tests.
Treatment and Management
Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause and may include medical therapy, surgical intervention, lifestyle modification, or assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Individualized treatment plans are essential for achieving optimal reproductive outcomes.
Conclusion
Male infertility is a complex but often treatable condition. Advances in andrology have significantly improved diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic success, offering new hope to affected individuals and couples.