Nonsurgical Treatment of Male Infertility: Specific Therapy

Abstract

Approximately 15% of married couples undergo a fertility examination. Approximately half of the infertility cases have a male factor. Numerous advances have been made in reproductive medicine in the last few years. Infertile couples who previously were considered untreatable now have a chance at genetic paternity. Although it is possible to solve the problem with assisted reproductive techniques in cases with severe male factor, applying these treatment methods to all infertile partners is extra treatment, the cost increases, and rare but serious risks such as ovarian hyperstimulation may occur in the female partner. Prior to any andrological treatment, a serious diagnostic work-up should be performed and treatment should be individualized, providing adequate treatment options in selected cases. Primarily, specific therapeutic therapy directed against the etiological cause of infertility should be attempted. Specific medical treatment of infertility is based on identifying the causes of reversible infertility and treating it with appropriate drugs. Infertility causes such as hormonal disorders, i.e. congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hyperprolactinemia, genital tract infections, and sexual dysfunctions can be easily diagnosed and successfully treated with medical methods that do not require surgery. In this review, reversible causes of male infertility and nonsurgical specific medical treatment methods are discussed in the light of the current literature.

Keywords

• erkek infertilitesi
• cerrahi dışı
• spesifik tedavi
• male infertility
• nonsurgical
• specific therapy