Infertility is considered when a couple fails to achieve pregnancy after an adequate period of regular sexual intercourse without contraception, usually 12 months.
The evaluation should consider both partners.
Causes can be conceptually divided into:
PretesticularHormonal abnormalities that affect stimulation of the testis.
TesticularImpaired sperm production.
Post-testicularObstructions or abnormalities that prevent adequate sperm transport.
The following may also play a role:
It should include a focused medical history:
It is one of the fundamental studies.
It evaluates different characteristics of the semen, including:
An abnormal result must be interpreted in the clinical context and may require confirmation.
Special attention should be paid to:
Depending on the findings, the following may be requested:
⚠️ Alert
Administration of exogenous testosterone can reduce or suppress spermatogenesis. This is especially important in young men who wish to preserve fertility.
Key concept
Male infertility does not necessarily mean sterility. The goal is to identify potentially correctable causes and determine the best reproductive strategy for the couple.
Andrology does not study sexual function alone. It integrates erectile and ejaculatory function, reproduction, hormonal function, and diseases of the male genital tract.
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