Andrology is a subspecialty of urology that deals with the man’s health and treats primarily male fertility issues and sexual dysfunction. The semen analysis is one of the most effective diagnostic tools in andrology and involves the characteristic description of human semen according to the criteria of the World Health Organization.
The testicles make and store sperm, which are ejaculated by the penis to deliver sperm to the female reproductive tract during sexual intercourse. The most common issues that lead to infertility in men are problems that affect how the testicles work. Other problems are hormone imbalances or blockages in the male reproductive organs. In about 50% of cases, the cause of male infertility cannot be determined
Infertility in men can result from deficiencies in sperm formation, concentration, or transportation. This general division allows an appropriate workup of potential underlying causes of infertility and helps define a course of action for treatment
In most cases, there are no obvious signs of infertility. You’ll usually have no difficulty with sexual activity, erections, and ejaculation, and your semen will look normal to the naked eye. You’ll need medical tests to help find out the cause of the infertility
A semen analysis, which provides information about sperm count, motility, and morphology, has classically been used as the marker of male fertility potential. However, there are other parameters given in a semen analysis that is often neglected or overlooked; these may indicate important pathologies, such as infection, prostatic disease, immunological infertility, retrograde ejaculation, malformation, or obstruction of the genital tract, tumour, and congenital or endocrine disorders.
Early diagnosis of male factor is important to detect any underlying pathology, to determine the extent of infertility, and to ensure appropriate treatment. It may also avoid unnecessary investigations for the female partner, particularly if her age is a limiting factor.