Infertility affects 15-20% of couples and male factors are present in about half of the cases. For many aspects related to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of male factor infertility, there is no general consensus, and the clinical approach is not uniform.
In the present document by the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), endorsed by the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research (SIERR), we propose evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of male factor infertility to improve patient and couple care.
Components of the initial evaluation should include at minimum medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis. Semen microbiological examination, endocrine assessment, and imaging are suggested in most men and recommended when specific risk factors for infertility exist or first-step analyses showed abnormalities. Full examination including genetic tests, testicular cytology/histology, or additional tests on sperm is clinically oriented and based on the results of previous investigations. For treatment purposes, the identification of the specific cause and the pathogenetic mechanism is advisable. At least, distinguishing pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular forms is essential. Treatment should be couple-oriented, including lifestyle modifications, etiologic therapies, empirical treatments, and ART on the basis of best evidence and with a gradual approach.
These Guidelines are based on two principal aspects: they are couple-oriented and place high value in assessing, preventing, and treating risk factors for infertility. These Guidelines also highlighted that male infertility and in particular testicular function might be a mirror of general health of a man.
Journal of endocrinological investigation. 2022 Jan 24 [Epub ahead of print]
A Ferlin, A E Calogero, C Krausz, F Lombardo, D Paoli, R Rago, C Scarica, M Simoni, C Foresta, V Rochira, E Sbardella, S Francavilla, G Corona
Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35121, Padua, Italy. ., Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy., Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy., Department of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory of Seminology-Sperm Bank "Loredana Gandini", University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy., Department of Gender, Parenting, Child and Adolescent Medicine, Physiopathology of Reproduction and Andrology Unit, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Rome, Italy., European Hospital, Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Rome, Italy., Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy., Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35121, Padua, Italy., Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy., Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Unit of Andrology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy., Medical Department, Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Azienda Usl, Bologna, Italy.