What is Clinical Andrology?
Definition of Clinical Andrology
This definition of Clinical Andrology came out of initial drafting work for the Andrology STP and was agreed by a a number of individuals across specialisms.
The Clinical Science of Andrology deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of:
- Male fertility diagnostics and therapy (including but not limited to: subfertility diagnostics; and early therapeutic interventions to improve healthy live birth outcome; clinical advice for patients considering fertility treatment; preparation and selection of sperm for use in fertility treatment, use of donated sperm);
- Male contraception and family planning (including but not limited to: male contraception; Post- vasectomy and post-vasectomy reversal semen analysis);
- Sperm banking and fertility preservation (including surgical sperm retrieval including following traumatic testicular injury; sperm banking where fertility is threatened; preparation and selection of sperm for use in fertility treatment);
- Paternally heritable disease (including potential and definite risks to offspring from lifestyle, disease or therapeutic interventions);
- Male sexual dysfunctions (including erectile dysfunction, disturbances of desire, arousal, ejaculatory and orgasmic dysfunctions);
- Male endocrine dysfunctions (including disorders of sexual development; hypogonadism; male ageing and other conditions from puberty to senescence);
- Gamete donation (including detailed screening and familiarity with ethical and social issues);
- Gender reassignment (including issues around gamete storage and future use);
- Genital tract pathologies (including infections and inflammations or cancers relating specifically tothe male);
- Prevention of transmission of blood-borne viruses (including fertility treatment forserodiscordant/concordant couples for HIV, Hep B and Hep C);
- Research and Development (service development and evolution activities across the entire portfolio above and in new areas as applicable).
- By its nature the role of the Andrologist also includes: ensuring conformance and compliance with national legislation and international standards; Audit and establishing and maintaining robust quality systems; ethico-legal issues (HFEA, EUTCD, etc) and management of an Andrology service (QM, HR, etc).
- When State Registered as a Clinical Scientist, an Andrologist will also be able to offer advice and support directly to patients and medical staff.
