Andrology (from Ancient Greek: ἀνήρ, anēr, genitive ἀνδρός, andros, “man”; and -λογία, -logia) is the medical specialty that deals with male health, particularly relating to the problems of the male reproductive system and urological problems that are unique to men and Doctors who Practice Andrology are known as Andrologist. It is the counterpart to gynaecology, which deals with medical issues which are specific to female health, especially reproductive and urologic health.
What Conditions Does an Andrologist Treat?
According to the BRITISH ANDROLOGY SOCIETY (www.britishandrology.org.uk), the Clinical Science of Andrology deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of
- Male fertility diagnostics and therapy (including but not limited to: subfertility diagnostics; and early therapeutic interventions to improve healthy live birth outcome; clinical advice for patients considering fertility treatment; preparation and selection of sperm for use in fertility treatment, use of donated sperm);
- Male contraception and family planning (including but not limited to: male contraception; Post- vasectomy and post-vasectomy reversal semen analysis);
- Sperm banking and fertility preservation (including surgical sperm retrieval including following traumatic testicular injury; sperm banking where fertility is threatened; preparation and selection of sperm for use in fertility treatment);
- Paternally heritable disease (including potential and definite risks to offspring from lifestyle, disease or therapeutic interventions);
- Male sexual dysfunctions (including erectile dysfunction, disturbances of desire, arousal, ejaculatory and orgasmic dysfunctions);
- Male endocrine dysfunctions (including disorders of sexual development; hypogonadism; male ageing and other conditions from puberty to senescence);
- Gamete donation (including detailed screening and familiarity with ethical and social issues);
- Gender reassignment (including issues around gamete storage and future use);
- Genital tract pathologies (including infections and inflammations or cancers relating specifically to the male);
- Prevention of transmission of blood-borne viruses (including fertility treatment for serodiscordant/concordant couples for HIV, Hep B and Hep C);
- Research and Development (service development and evolution activities across the entire portfolio above and in new areas as applicable).
When Should You See an Andrologist?
Andrologist Specialists treat all health-related problems in men, especially in the reproductive or genitourinary systems. This means a specialist urologist or Andrologist treats any problem experienced uniquely by a man’s body. Some Men’s health problems Andrologist can treat are:
- Premature Ejaculation
- Prostate Cancer
- Erectile dysfunction
- Hydrocele
- Infertility
- Testicular problems and cancer
- Varicocele
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Infections
- Prostatitis