MEN’S HEALTH TIPS YOU CAN NOT IGNORE : Issues related to Andrology can turn a ‘Livinus’ into a ‘Livina’!

05/08/25

By Livy-Elcon Emereonye

Every disease causes a state of unease or discomfort through dysfunction, typically manifesting with noticeable signs and symptoms.

In general humans are born as males and females. Nonetheless, in terms of medical services, females seem to get more attention. While obstetrics and gynecology are well-known fields, andrology remains unfamiliar to most.

What does andrology refer to?

Andrology is a medical specialty that concentrates on male reproductive health, including the functioning and issues of the male reproductive system as well as urological conditions specific to men.

It serves as the male equivalent of gynecology, focusing on men’s reproductive health.

To appreciate andrology, one should understand the male reproductive organs and their roles.

Male Reproductive Organs and Their Functions

The male reproductive system can be divided into external and internal organs:

External Organs:

1. Penis
   Functions as the pathway for urine to exit and also assists in delivering sperm into the female reproductive tract during intercourse.
2. Scrotum
   A structure resembling a sac that protects the testicles. It manages temperature to facilitate optimal sperm production through contraction or relaxation.

Internal Organs:

1. Testes (Testicles)
   Produce testosterone, the main male sex hormone, and play a crucial role in spermatogenesis, which is the process of sperm production.
2. Epididymis
   Stores sperm and aids in their development after production in the testes.
3. Vas Deferens
   Transports mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during the process of ejaculation.
4. Seminal Vesicles
   Produce a sugar-rich fluid that supplies energy for sperm and significantly add to the volume of semen.
5. Prostate Gland
   Secretes a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm, as well as helps to propel semen through the urethra during ejaculation.
6. Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Glands
   Release a clear mucus-like secrtion that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes traces of acidic urine before ejaculation.
7. Urethra
   Conducts both semen and urine out of the body—but never at the same time.

Core Aspects of Andrology

1. Male Infertility
   Low sperm count or poor motility

Varicocele

Hormonal imbalances

Obstructions in the reproductive tract

2. Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
   Psychological and physical causes

Hormonal deficiencies

Vascular and neurological conditions

3. Testicular Disorders
   Undescended testes (cryptorchidism)

Testicular torsion

Testicular cancer

Hydrocele and varicocele

4. Prostate Health
   Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Prostatitis

Prostate cancer

5. Hormonal Disorders
   Low testosterone (hypogonadism)

Andropause (male menopause)

Endocrine dysfunctions affecting male reproduction

6. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
   Diagnosis, treatment, and preventive counseling
7. Male Contraception
   Vasectomy

Research into hormonal contraceptive methods for men.

Diagnosis and Diagnostic Tools in Andrology

Proper evaluation in andrology relies on a range of diagnostic tools:

Semen analysis

Hormone profiling (testosterone, FSH, LH, prolactin)

Ultrasound of the testes and prostate

Penile Doppler ultrasound

Genetic testing (especially in cases of infertility)

Treatment Approaches

The importance of accurate diagnosis and correct interpretation of test results cannot be overstated.

Treatment in andrology falls under three broad categories:

1. Pharmacological
   Hormone replacement therapy

Erectile dysfunction medications

Andrology

2. Non-Pharmacological
   Lifestyle modification

Psychosexual counseling

3. Surgical Interventions
   Varicocelectomy

Vasectomy and vasectomy reversal

4. Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
   In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

5. Herbal Approach
   Employing evidence-based herbal solutions to promote male reproductive function

A hint of comedy:
In a lighthearted way, issues related to andrology can turn a ‘Livinus’ into a ‘Livina’!

Stay tuned for the next part…

Be prepared for the upcoming subject: Male Infertility

For any inquiries or consultations, you can get in touch with Dr. Emereonye at:
+234 803 3922 445