Date of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Professor Bodenheimer

Abstract

Male infertility impacts up to 15% of men and contributes significantly to worldwide infertility.1 A multifaceted issue with etiologies from before, after or during spermatogenesis. It includes hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction, genetic abnormalities, congenital malformations, systemic illnesses and environmental factors.2 The evaluation of male infertility considers contributing factors and interconnections with broader health issues. Pre-testicular factors discussed include Klinefelter syndrome, Y-chromosome microdeletions, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid dysfunction, obesity, diabetes mellitus, nutrition, pharmaceuticals and lifestyle. Problems within the testicles are cryptorchidism, varicoceles, infections, neoplasms, trauma and anti-sperm antibodies. Common post-testicular reasons are cystic fibrosis, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hypoactive sexual desire, vasectomies and retrograde ejaculations. Narrowing down causes includes semen analysis, history-taking, examination, hormonal and genetic testing. Treatments vary as patients may benefit from assisted reproductive technologies, surgical interventions, behavior modifications, medication adjustments and hormone therapies.1 Correcting male infertility requires a personalized approach and is unattainable in 30% of cases.

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Male Infertility: From Root Causes to Modern Interventions

Male infertility impacts up to 15% of men and contributes significantly to worldwide infertility.1 A multifaceted issue with etiologies from before, after or during spermatogenesis. It includes hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis dysfunction, genetic abnormalities, congenital malformations, systemic illnesses and environmental factors.2 The evaluation of male infertility considers contributing factors and interconnections with broader health issues. Pre-testicular factors discussed include Klinefelter syndrome, Y-chromosome microdeletions, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid dysfunction, obesity, diabetes mellitus, nutrition, pharmaceuticals and lifestyle. Problems within the testicles are cryptorchidism, varicoceles, infections, neoplasms, trauma and anti-sperm antibodies. Common post-testicular reasons are cystic fibrosis, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hypoactive sexual desire, vasectomies and retrograde ejaculations. Narrowing down causes includes semen analysis, history-taking, examination, hormonal and genetic testing. Treatments vary as patients may benefit from assisted reproductive technologies, surgical interventions, behavior modifications, medication adjustments and hormone therapies.1 Correcting male infertility requires a personalized approach and is unattainable in 30% of cases.