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Contemporary concepts in the evaluation and management of male infertility

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Hwang, Kathleen, Walters, R. Chanc, Lipshultz, Larry I.·2011·Nature Reviews Urology

Abstract

Infertility in men is a common condition. At the core of the medical evaluation of the male partner in a couple who are unable to conceive is the history and physical examination. Special attention should be directed to the patient's developmental history and any use of testosterone products. The physical examination focuses on the genitals, and includes assessments of the size and consistency of the testicles, epididymis, vas deferens, and presence of varicoceles. Although many sophisticated tests are available, semen analysis is still the most important diagnostic tool used to assess fertility, and includes parameters such as sperm count, motility and viability. Treatment of male factor infertility can involve targeted agents, in the case of specific conditions such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, or it can be empirical-using medical therapy or assisted conception techniques-for patients in whom no underlying cause has been identified. Although an all-encompassing treatment for male factor infertility has not yet been developed, the field offers many promising avenues of research.

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Authors
Hwang, K., Walters, R. C., & Lipshultz, L. I.
Affiliations
Baylor College of Medicine (US)
Corresponding author
Lipshultz, Larry I.
Venue
Nature Reviews Urology
Published
2011-01-18
Volume
8
Issue
2
Pages
86-94
ISSN
  • 1759-4812 (ISSN-L)
  • 1759-4820
OpenAlex
W2030683004
Cited by
84
References
5
Citations by year
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FWCI
1.09
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Nature Reviews Urology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (K12DK083014)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Sperm and Testicular Function
  • Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Male Reproductive Health Studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Reproductive Health and Technologies
Keywords
male infertility, male factor infertility, infertility evaluation, semen analysis, sperm count, sperm motility, sperm viability, varicocele, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy, assisted reproduction, infertility treatment
MeSH terms
Animals, Humans, Infertility, Male, Male, Disease Management

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