The medical specialist focusing on sperm health and the male reproductive system is typically a Urologist or an Andrologist. Urologists treat the urinary tract in both men and women, and they also handle male reproductive organs, including the testes, epididymis, and prostate. An Andrologist is a subspecialist who focuses exclusively on male reproductive and sexual health. They often receive additional specialized training after completing a urology residency. These professionals diagnose and treat conditions affecting a man’s ability to father a child.
The Primary Specialist: Andrology and Urology
Urology is a broad surgical specialty encompassing the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tracts of both sexes and the male reproductive system. A Urologist is a medical doctor trained to address issues ranging from kidney stones and urinary tract infections to cancers of the prostate and bladder. They are qualified to address general male reproductive health concerns, including some fertility issues.
Andrology is the dedicated subspecialty of male reproductive medicine, similar to gynecology for women. An Andrologist is typically a Urologist who has undergone further fellowship training focused on male fertility, sexual function, and hormonal imbalances. This specialization provides deeper expertise in complex cases of male infertility and sexual dysfunction, such as persistent erectile dysfunction or genetic causes of low sperm production. While a Urologist often provides the initial assessment, an Andrologist represents the most focused level of expertise for specific sperm and fertility care.
Conditions Related to Sperm Health
Specific medical conditions can interfere with sperm production, delivery, or function, leading to male infertility. Oligospermia is a lower-than-normal concentration of sperm in the ejaculate, defined as less than 15 million sperm per milliliter. A more severe condition is Azoospermia, the complete absence of sperm in the semen, caused by a blockage or testicular failure.
Physical issues, such as a Varicocele, involve the enlargement of scrotal veins, which can raise testicular temperature and negatively impact sperm quality. Hormonal imbalances, like low testosterone (hypogonadism), can disrupt the signaling pathway between the brain and the testicles, impairing sperm generation. Sperm function can also be impaired by Asthenozoospermia (poor movement or motility) or Teratozoospermia (abnormally shaped sperm).
Essential Diagnostic Procedures
The starting point for assessing sperm health is a Semen Analysis, a simple, non-invasive test evaluating sperm quality and quantity. This analysis provides data on three main parameters: concentration (count), motility (movement), and morphology (normal shape). Because sperm parameters naturally fluctuate, specialists often require two or more semen analyses over time to establish an accurate baseline.
Beyond the initial analysis, the specialist conducts a physical examination and takes a detailed medical history to look for contributing factors like prior surgeries or infections. Hormone testing involves a blood panel to measure levels of key hormones, such as Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and testosterone, identifying potential endocrine causes of impaired production. Imaging tests, particularly a Scrotal Ultrasound, use sound waves to visualize the testicles and epididymis, helping to detect structural issues like a varicocele or obstruction.
When to Seek Consultation
Couples under 35 should seek consultation if pregnancy has not been achieved after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. If the female partner is 35 years or older, this timeframe is shortened to 6 months due to the natural decline in female fertility. Earlier evaluation is advisable for men with a known history of conditions affecting fertility, such as cryptorchidism, testicular trauma, or prior cancer treatment.
A man should also seek immediate consultation regardless of fertility goals if he experiences warning signs. These include testicular pain, swelling, a lump in the testicle, or recurrent issues with sexual function. Problems like persistent erectile dysfunction or difficulty with ejaculation can be symptomatic of underlying health issues requiring prompt medical attention.