DR SHREEHARSHA MALAPPAAWATI

Who is an andrologist?

An andrologist is a doctor that treats the conditions related to sexual function and fertility in males. They are actually urologists that focus primarily on male reproductive problems. They are generally the most appropriate professional to consult for male patients with infertility and sexual dysfunction because they possess expertise in the male reproductive system.

What does an andrologist do?

Andrologists are a type of Urologist who specializes in men’s health. Their main job is to help male patients with their uniquely male problems, most of which are urological or reproductive in nature. Being the male equivalent of a Gynecologist, they treat men’s most intimate ailments, conditions, and dysfunctions, such as erectile dysfunction, infertility, and genital trauma and spend their days interviewing and examining patients and administering treatments that range from prescribing medication to surgery.

What are the tests performed by an andrologist?

• Acrosome Stimulation Test
• Anti-Sperm Antibody Test
• Cervical Mucus Interaction
• Hamster Egg Penetration Test
• Hormone Evaluation
• Hypoosmotic Solution Assay
• Krueger or Strict Criteria Morphology
• Post-Coital Test
• Retrograde Semen Analysis
• Semen Analysis
• Semen Culture
• Sperm Aneuploidy by FISH
• Sperm Chromatin Integrity Test (SCIT)
• Sperm Longevity
• Transmission Electron Microscopy
• Varicoceles
• X-Y Sperm Identification by FISH

What diseases are treated by an andrologist?

Male genital diseases treated by andrologists are:

• Balanoposthitis, a very common penile inflammation.
• Cryptorchidism which happens when the testis does not descend to its proper position.
• Hemospermi which is the presence of blood in the ejaculate and is most often a benign symptom.
• Hydrocele which marks the presence of fluid around the testis.
• Hypospadias is a disease in which the urine does not flow out from the usual exit.
• Micropenis happens when the penile size is not proportional to age.
• Phimosis and Paraphimosis are the common disorders of the penile skin.
• Testicular Torsion which is an emergent and dangerous urological condition.
• Varicocele, a condition which is the most frequent cause of male infertility.
• Εpididymitis is a condition which causes the testis to swell and hurt.

How is urologist different from andrologist?

Andrology is the medical specialty that focuses on male health, particularly on the disorders of the male reproductive system and mainly deals with male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory disorders. Urology is the surgical specialty that focuses on the urinary tracts of males and females which includes the kidneys, and testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate and penis and the female reproductive organs namely; ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. The common surgeries performed in andrology include vasectomy, vasectomy reversals, fertilization procedures, and the implantation of penile prostheses.

 Urology is closely associated with the medical fields of gynecology, andrology, pediatric surgery, colorectal surgery, gastroenterology,   oncology, nephrology, and endocrinology.