What is Urology?
Urology is a branch of surgical medicine that deals with the urinary tract and organs of men and women and the structure and diseases of the male reproductive organs. Urology deals with both adult and pediatric patients.
What Does Urology Look For In Men?
- Cancers of the bladder, kidney, penis, testes and adrenal and prostate glands
- Prostate gland enlargement
- Interstitial cystitis, also called painful bladder syndrome
- Kidney diseases
- Kidney stone
- Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Varicose veins or enlarged veins in the scrotum
- Infertility
Infertility
Infertility is the inability of married couples to achieve pregnancy despite having regular sexual intercourse and not using contraception for 1 year. Infertility is a problem affecting approximately 15% of expectant mothers and fathers. Male infertility is seen in approximately 40% of these couples. For prospective parents with infertility problems, the male should be the first to be examined because it is easier. There are many causes of male infertility. Sperm production disorders, blockages in sperm ducts, undescended testicle, presence of antibodies against sperm, radiation, alcohol, smoking, bilateral testicular absence, genetic disorder, mumps after puberty, liver and kidney diseases, testicular trauma, hormonal disorders, anatomical problems, previous diseases, infections and some medications can cause infertility. Whatever the cause, infertility is not easy to overcome. Many infertile people feel incomplete and unhappy. It is normal for people to feel this way and they can overcome this by communicating with other people. Infertile couples should support each other to overcome these problems. It should be remembered that 90% of infertility problems can be treated and there are many treatment options.
What are the Diagnostic Methods in Male Infertility?
- Spermiogram
- Sperm washing and enhancement
- Sperm function tests
- Semen culture and antibiogram
- Immunobead Binding Test (IBT), MAR test (for immunological fertility)
- Sperm MAC test
- Testicular biopsy and Scrotal exploration
What should a man do if he has infertility problems?
Prospective fathers with infertility problems should consult a urologist about IVF treatment. The doctor listens to the patient’s history and performs a physical examination. During the physical examination, the condition of the testicles, sperm ducts and whether the patient has varicocele are investigated. The patient will be asked for a spermiogram (sperm analysis) and other tests if necessary. The spermiogram evaluates sperm count, motility and shape. In the sperm test, fresh semen taken after 48 hours of sexual abstinence is evaluated. Since sperm count can vary, semen analysis should be performed at least 2 times. According to the results, the appropriate treatment method is determined for the patient.