Male infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to achieve spontaneous pregnancy after 12 months of frequent and unprotected sex. It affects about 15% of couples, and in half of the cases, there is an associated male factor.

The causes of male infertility are multiple, from congenital malformations, genetic alterations, diseases acquired as endocrinological alterations, to sequelae of oncological or infectious diseases and varicocele, among others.

The cornerstone of the evaluation of infertile men is the spermogram, complemented by a physical examination. In addition, complementary tests may be necessary, such as hormonal evaluation, scrotal ultrasound, genetic studies, DNA fragmentation study of sperm, etc.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, however, in about 30-40% of cases, the cause is idiopathic (unknown).

In certain circumstances, it is necessary to perform a testicular biopsy, associated with medically assisted reproduction techniques.