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Infertility in the Male
- RONALD S. SWERDLOFF, M.D.;
- JAMES W. OVERSTREET, M.D., Ph.D.;
- REBECCA Z. SOKOL, M.D.; and
- JACOB RAJFER, M.D.
Abstract
Male infertility is a common and distressing problem in which reproductive abnormalities frequently play an important role. Assessment requires an understanding of the control of spermatogenesis and factors responsible for normal sperm function. Standard tests for assessment of semen quality frequently fail to detect impaired function, but newer tests are now available to measure sperm movement and their ability to penetrate the ovum. Algorithmic approaches based on laboratory data can be used to characterize subgroups of infertile men, but many patients have subtle abnormalities. Treatment of male infertility is ideally directed to a specific pathogenic mechanism; nonspecific therapies have produced disappointing results. Surgery is indicated for certain types of ductal obstruction, but whether internal spermatic vein ligation should be used to treat varicocele remains uncertain.
Article and Author Information
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▸An edited summary of an Interdepartmental Conference arranged by the Department of Medicine of the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California. Director of Conferences, William M. Pardridge, M.D., Professor of Medicine.
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▸Authors who wish to cite a section of the conference and specifically indicate its author can use this example for the form of reference:
OVERSTREET JW. Semen analysis, pp. 907-9. In: SWERDLOFF RS. Infertility in the male. Ann Intern Med. 1985;103(6 pt 1):906-19.
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Grant support: Training Grant in Endocrinology and Metabolism #AM07214 from the National Institutes of Health.
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to Ronald S. Swerdloff, M.D.; Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 West Carson Street A-17 Annex; Torrance, CA 90509.
