Andrologist guide

The doctor for andrology has completed an 18-month medical training course, which is primarily chosen by urologists or endocrinologists (metabolic specialists). Andrology deals with all diseases or malformations, but also injuries to the internal and external sexual and reproductive organs of men, i.e. the penis and testicles, seminal vesicles and vas deferens as well as the prostate.

Abstract

• The andrology doctor is responsible for the health and treatment of male reproductive organs.
• His areas of expertise include the treatment of erectile and fertility disorders.
• An andrologist does not usually treat sexually transmitted diseases. Screening examinations of the prostate from the age of 45 are more likely to be carried out by a urologist perform.

Tasks and areas of work of the andrologist

As a doctor for male diseases, the andrologist is the right person to contact if you have potency problems or an unfulfilled desire to have children. Conversely, andrologists also perform “sterilization” on men. What many men don’t know: An andrologist is familiar with the hormonal and endocrinological causes of diseases as well as the psychosocial aspects associated with male fertility and sexuality. This makes him an expert in related physical and psychological symptoms.

The andrologist’s most important areas of work:

• Erectile dysfunction:Erectile dysfunction can be psychological, but can also be caused by hormonal disorders or physical illnesses. These include diabetes, cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. Depending on the cause of the disorder, psychotherapy or treatment of the primary disease can provide relief.
• Fertility disorders or testicular dysfunction: Testosterone deficiency is caused by “hypofunction” of the testicles. This is treated by administering the hormone in the form of tablets or injections.
• Age-related changes in male sexuality: These include hot flushes and sweating, depression and/or mood swings. The andrologist provides support with suitable anti-ageing measures.
• Male contraception by vasectomy: The ligation of the vas deferens is considered a very safe method of contraception. It is recommended for men who have already completed their family planning. The ability to conceive can be restored if necessary.

How diagnosis and treatment are carried out by an andrologist

The first step with an andrologist is also to take a medical history – during the patient consultation, the doctor gets an idea of the patient’s general state of health and emotional well-being. This is because while a man’s fertility is controlled by hormones, sexuality is highly dependent on psychosocial influences.

The diagnostic tools used by a male doctor include:

• Blood tests to determine testosterone levels and other hormones
• Examination of the urine
• Examination of the male ejaculate(spermiogram) to determine the number and motility of sperm cells
• Ultrasound examination, e.g. of the testicles and epididymis
• Examination of the prostate

In addition, the andrologist has access to all outpatient and inpatient diagnostic procedures and treatment options available to a urologist.

Questions and answers

Sources:

• https://www.aerzteblatt.de/pdf.asp?id=180798
• https://www.aerzteblatt.de/pdf.asp?id=186836
• https://medlexi.de/Andrologie
• https://www.andrologie-experten.de/themen
• https://www1.wdr.de/wissen/mensch/was-macht-ein-maennerarzt-100.html