What Is Andrology? Role in Male Fertility and Importance Explained

Issues with the male reproductive system have become common and serious that affects at least 15% of couples across the globe. The medical specialty of male reproductive health is the meaning of andrology in essence.

This specialty is gaining traction as the rise of male reproductive problems is on the rise. Here, you can learn andrology definition, the importance of this specialty, and more.

What Is Andrology?

The term Andrology is derived from the Greek word, Andros which means male. Andrology is a branch of medical science that deals with problems related to men's reproductive system.

It can be considered as the male version of gynaecology. Andrology is a new area of specialisation that has not gained as much popularity as gynaecology has. But in recent years, much attention has been given to this area of medicine due to the increased awareness about men's fertility and prostate issues.

The physicians who specialise in treating issues related to men's reproductive system are known as andrologists. Urologists, who specialise in male and female urinary system related problems, can also specialise in Andrology.

What conditions does an andrologist treat?

Andrology deals with issues of men's health, including the following:

• Infertility

Of all the infertility issues, around 50% cases are due to male-factor infertility. Seeking help from an Andrologist who is specialised in providing proper and timely treatment for all male-factor infertility related issues would be a better option.

• Erectile Dysfunction

The inability to achieve or maintain an erection while having intercourse is known as erectile dysfunction. Men may find it difficult to deal with this situation. However, with appropriate treatment taken at the right time, this condition can be treated.

• Prostate Disease

Prostate problems are common in men over the age of 50. The prostate is a gland that is associated with semen production in men. Prostate gland enlargement, prostatitis, and prostate cancer are some of the common diseases associated with this gland.

• Male Hormone Deficiency

Any deficiency in male hormones or androgens, which plays an essential role in giving men the male attributes, can lead to a lot many other health-related issues. Consulting an andrologist can help one find the exact cause and effective solution.

When should you visit an andrologist?

You are advised to consult an andrologist if you are experiencing any problems with your reproductive health. Couples who are trying and failing to conceive often visit a gynaecologist to understand the cause of their problems, but infertility can be cause by the male factor as well. An andrologist comes in when male factor infertility is detected in a couple.

You can visit an andrologist in case you are having troubles with any part of your reproductive system, such as in the following scenarios:

• If you and your partner are facing difficulty in conceiving after 1 year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse
• If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction
• If you have low libido or reduced sexual desire
• If you ejaculate prematurely or late
• If you are experiencing pain or swelling in your testicles
• If you have hormone imbalances

Know what andrology entails

Andrologists have extensive training and experience on surgery of male genitals, the anatomy of the penis and testicles, and the use of advanced surgical techniques. Andrology focuses on the following areas:

• Male Genitalia Reconstructive Surgery

This includes surgical procedures to correct the normal functioning of the male genitalia.

• Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction of a male can affect fertility rates of the couple by impacting his sexual desire, orgasm, or arousal among other things.

• Male Contraception

These are birth control methods, including vasectomy, for males to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

• Hypogonadism

This is a medical condition in which a male’s testicles do not produce adequate amount of sex hormones. Testosterone replacement therapy is one of the most prevalent treatment options for hypogonadism.

• Male Senescence

This is the natural process of aging in males, which leads to a gradual decline in their fertility as well.

• Subfertility

This is defined as the reduced ability of a male to conceive naturally. Low sperm count or hormonal imbalances are some of the factors that can reduce a male’s fertility.

Apart from these, andrology also deals with testicular cancer, prostate disorders, hormone replacement therapy, delayed puberty, family planning, benign prostatic hyperplasia and carcinoma, & cryopreservation of testicular tissue or semen.

Importance of andrology

Research suggests that about 37% of the cases of infertility in Asia are caused by male factor infertility.

Over the past few decades, a great number of treatment strategies have evolved over time, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Studies suggest that hypogonadism is one of the leading causes of problems related to the male reproductive system in India as well as other Asian countries; about 24.2% cases of andrological problems in India are caused by hypogonadism.

India is witnessing an increase in the incidence and mortality rates of cases with prostate cancer. This increase has been associated with the dietary changes of an average Indian man who is consuming more red meat, dairy, fat, and eggs than he used to. Thus, andrology serves an important role in managing the reproductive health and well-being of males in the country.

Conclusion

Hopefully, the meaning of andrology is now clear to you along with its significance in fertility treatments. Andrology covers everything from vasectomies to sperm retrieval.

This field of medical science is being studied as a specialty since the late 1960s, whereas gynaecology (the medical science associated with the study of female reproductive system) has a wide number of doctors worldwide.

Andrology plays an elemental role in male reproductive health and helps in enhancing the success of ARTs for successful conception and family planning.