Andrology

Who Should Consult an Andrologist?

If a man has trouble conceiving or is showing sexual health symptoms that aren’t resolving, seeking the help of male fertility specialists is appropriate. Addressing problems before they worsen improves the chances of successful treatment.

Men facing the following situations should schedule a consultation:

●   Failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of frequent, unprotected sex with a partner.

●   Findings of sperm abnormalities from a semen analysis, including abnormal morphology, sperm count or motility.

●   Male factor infertility or ejaculation disorder that prevents natural conception

●   Changes in hormone levels or symptoms associated with low testosterone.

●   A varicocele, which is a swollen or painful scrotum.

●   Long-term pain or swelling in the testicles.

●   Plans for restoring fertility following prior vasectomy.

●   Previous or future cancer treatment that calls for fertility preservation.

●   Recurrent IVF failures when the male factor is suspected or identified.

For a thorough evaluation and the latest treatment options, consult an expert andrologist at NU Fertility in Bangalore.

Conditions Treated by Our Andrology Specialists

The team at AndroNeo aims to address male reproductive health issues with the latest evidence-based practices to provide the most suitable male infertility treatment.

Male Infertility

Male infertility occurs when a male factor affects a couple's ability to conceive. Lifestyle variables like smoking can also be detected during a fertility screening, and a professional will determine what sort of problem you may be experiencing.

Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

Oligospermia refers to a reduction in sperm count. A low sperm concentration may reduce the likelihood of natural fertilisation. It can be treated with medicine, lifestyle modifications or assisted reproduction.

Azoospermia

Azoospermia refers to the complete lack of sperm in semen. It can be obstructive due to blockage, or it can be non-obstructive where the testicles make little or no sperm.

Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenozoospermia)

Asthenozoospermia is characterised by poor sperm motility. Reduced sperm motility makes it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg and may require specialised treatment.

Abnormal Sperm Morphology

Sperm morphology is the shape and structure of sperm. Abnormal sperm morphology may affect the sperm's ability to reach or fertilise the egg. Understanding the morphology problem facilitates the choice of appropriate fertility procedures. 

Male Hormonal Disorders

Testosterone, FSH, and LH regulate sperm production. Conditions such as hypogonadism and pituitary disorders can disrupt these signals. Treating an underlying hormonal disorder may help improve sperm production and related fertility parameters in selected patients

Male Sexual Health Disorders

Erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and delayed ejaculation can impact health and natural reproduction. Specialists offer therapy to correct sexual function.

Symptoms That May Indicate Male Fertility Problems

Male fertility problems may sometimes cause few noticeable symptoms. Being aware of possible male fertility symptoms enables men to seek early medical treatment.

Common indicators include:

●   Failure to conceive after one year of regular sexual activity with a partner.

●   Lack of interest or urge to have sex.

●   Having trouble getting and maintaining erections.

●   Problems with ejaculation, including small fluid volumes or retrograde ejaculation.

●   Swelling, lumps, or localised pain of the testicles.

●   Testicles that are abnormally small or tight.

●   Signs of hormone imbalance: gynecomastia (enlargement of breast tissue) or decreased hair growth on face and body.

Advanced Andrology Treatments Available at AndroNeo

Treatment in Andrology is always tailored based on the specific diagnosis, age, semen profile (sperm and egg parameters) and reproductive and fertility desires.

Medical Treatment

Underlying functional or systemic conditions are treated with nonsurgical medical interventions:

●  Hormonal Therapy: Normalises the balance of specific hormonal disorders and supports sperm production when clinically appropriate

●  Antioxidant Therapy: Suppresses Oxidative Stress and protects sperm cell structure.

●  Infection Management: Recommends a specific antibiotic regimen for the reproductive tract infection.

●  Endocrine Correction: Treats issues related to metabolic or endocrine conditions affecting males.

Surgical Treatments

When physical abnormalities block sperm passage or impair testicular function, surgical intervention offers effective solutions:

●  Varicocele Treatment: A surgical procedure to address enlarged scrotal veins that may affect sperm production or fertility.

●  Reconstructive Surgery: Restores or reconnects reproductive ducts when an obstruction prevents the normal passage of sperm, such as after vasectomy.

Sperm Retrieval Procedures

If sperm retrieval is not possible through ejaculation due to an obstruction or very low sperm production, it may be possible to achieve sperm retrieval surgically. Sperm achieved surgically will also be used for IVF and ICSI.

●  PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration): Sperm is directly removed from the epididymis with a fine needle under local anaesthesia.

●  TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration): A needle is used to remove sperm directly from the testicle.

●  TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction): A small incision is made through the scrotum and a tiny tissue sample is surgically removed from the testicle, containing sperm cells to obtain the sperm.

●  Micro-TESE (Microscopic Testicular Sperm Extraction): A more invasive, advanced surgical technique in men with Severe Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (SNOA). An operating microscope is used to try to find areas of sperm production in the testicles.

Fertility Preservation

Fertility preservation allows men to prevent their future fertility from being harmed. A Fertility expert collects healthy sperm and preserves it using highly advanced cryopreservation equipment. Here are the most significant instances where fertility preservation is important:

●  Cancer Patients: The sperm formation process may be ruined or damaged by radiation therapy and chemotherapy; thus, men may consider sperm freezing before chemotherapy or radiation therapy when recommended by their fertility specialist.

●  High-Risk Occupations: In case a man is exposed to toxic chemicals and radiation, he can preserve his biological material.

●  Before Surgery: When a man has pelvic or prostate surgery, he can keep samples before the tissue gets damaged.

Special sperm extraction methods are performed by doctors to extract healthy sperm when a man has trouble producing sperm. This sperm is then added to IVF for Male Infertility or ICSI treatment.