What Is Andrology? Role in Male Fertility and Importance Explained
What Is Andrology?
Andrology is a branch of medicine that deals with male reproductive health. The expert in this field is called an andrologist. Both male and female individuals need proper care for their reproductive systems. For women, there is the gynaecologist. The male equivalent is the andrologist.
An andrologist is trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent health problems in this area. This includes conditions that affect male fertility, hormones, and sexual function. Their work involves identifying issues, providing the appropriate treatment, and offering guidance. They also perform surgeries if needed. The goal is to enhance a man’s overall health, particularly his sexual and hormonal well-being.
What Conditions Does an Andrologist Treat?
An andrologist (doctor for male reproductive system) treats a wide spectrum of issues. Some of them are:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED): It refers to experiencing difficulty in achieving (or maintaining) an erection for intercourse.
- Premature ejaculation and delayed ejaculation: These are problems where ejaculation happens too early or too late. It can make sex less enjoyable.
- Peyronie’s disease: This is when the penis curves because of scar tissue. It can cause pain or make it difficult to have intercourse.
- Testosterone deficiency: This is when a man does not have enough testosterone (the main male hormone). It can lead to feeling tired, having a low sex drive, and feeling depressed. It may also cause muscle loss.
- Male infertility: This can include a low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology. An andrologist treats the male factor infertility that prevents a man from having a child.
- Varicocele: This is when the veins in the scrotum get bigger. It can often be fixed and is a common reason for a decrease in fertility.
- Obstructive azoospermia: This is when there is a blockage in the reproductive tract (tubes that carry sperm). It prevents any sperm from being in the semen.
- Testicular failure: This is when the testes (testicles) are not able to properly make sperm or hormones.
- Genetic causes of infertility: These are infertility problems caused by a man’s genes. This includes Y-chromosome microdeletions, Klinefelter syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities.
- Sexual development disorders: These are conditions that are either diagnosed late or not at all. They affect a man’s sexual organs or hormone levels.
- Post-cancer reproductive damage: This refers to fertility and sexual problems that can happen after a man has had chemotherapy.
- Hormone-related metabolic issues: Hormone-related metabolic issues: These are problems that are linked to hormones. They can have a negative impact on a man’s reproductive health. For example, obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
- Anabolic steroid misuse consequences: This is about assessing the harm from using steroids or extra testosterone.
- Microsurgical procedures: These are very precise surgical procedures. For example, vasectomy reversal, varicocele repair, and testicular sperm extraction.
- Psychosexual counselling: This therapy helps people with the emotional, relational, and psychological aspects of sexual dysfunction.
When to Consider an Appointment with an Andrologist?
You should think about seeing an andrologist if any of these situations apply to you:
- You have been trying to conceive for 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse.
- You have a history of undescended testicles or have had childhood testicular surgery.
- Previous infections like mumps, orchitis, or sexually transmitted diseases may cause infertility issues.
- Visit an andrologist if some pelvic or testicular trauma has damaged your reproductive structures.
- Certain problems with the prostate gland can affect ejaculation or cause pelvic pain. It could be long-term inflammation (prostatitis) or an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
- If puberty was late or did not occur at all, you may want to consider consulting an andrologist. This is because it could be a sign of hormone problems.
- Low libido or reduced sexual desire is often linked to testosterone deficiency.
- Sometimes low bone density or frequent fractures can signal underlying hormone imbalances. In this case, an andrologist can help.
Signs and Symptoms Prompting an Andrology Specialist Consultation
You should consult an andrology specialist if you notice any of the following signs:
- You have a low volume of semen when you ejaculate.
- Your past reports show an absence of sperm (azoospermia) or a very low sperm count.
- Having testicles that feel small and firm may be one of the andrology problems.
- A lack of spontaneous morning erections can point to hormone imbalances or blood vessel problems.
- A loss of body hair or changes in the way facial hair grows.
- Unexplained anaemia (low haemoglobin levels) may be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
- Men experiencing hot flashes or night sweats should consider consulting a urologist or andrology specialist.
What is the Importance of Andrology?
Andrology is all about male reproductive health. An andrologist can find and treat problems early on, sometimes even before they become serious. They are specialists who connect sexual health symptoms to other health issues in the body. They then utilise their expertise to provide targeted treatments that can restore function.
When an andrologist is part of a fertility team, it leads to more accurate diagnoses. Doctors of andrology specialise in men’s health, providing personalised treatment plans and avoiding unnecessary procedures.
Conclusion
Andrology delivers precise, outcome‑focused care for men’s reproductive concerns. They also provide guidance on lifestyle habits that can impact sperm health. Andrology is involved in new research on male birth control. This may give men more options in the future to manage their reproductive health. If you are facing male fertility issues, Archish IVF can help. We connect you with trained andrologists for expert support.