Do you know what an andrologist does? Is it worth visiting him as often as women visit the gynaecologist? When should you go for your first visit? Robert Jarema, a specialist urologist from the InviMed infertility treatment clinic in Warsaw, answers these and other questions.

Doctor, what does an andrologist actually do?

An andrologist deals with the prevention and treatment of diseases of the male reproductive system. He is a specialist in the structure and function of the male genital organs. We usually provide advice on fertility, endocrine system abnormalities or erectile dysfunction. As a rule, mainly andrologists diagnose sexual disorders, inflammations and tumours of the genital organs, as well as infertility.

As an andrologist, I am also involved in safeguarding male fertility before planned chemotherapy.

Is it worth it for a man to visit an andrologist as often as women visit a gynaecologist? Men are usually more difficult to persuade to visit a doctor, any doctor, even an internist or a dentist. This makes it all the more difficult to form the habit of visiting an andrologist, but it is worth remembering such visits. They should become the norm for every man who cares about his health.

Indeed, regular visits to an andrologist are essential not only for the treatment of various genitourinary diseases, but above all for their prevention, and in this area men still lack knowledge.

When should a man make his first appointment with an andrologist?

An andrologist is a doctor who also specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. Often it is the first appointment that is made when a couple is trying to have a child and the moment comes when the man receives the result of the semen test. An andrologist is also the first doctor a man should think of when the semen test result he receives is abnormal. Based on the result of the semen test and the medical history, the doctor will be able to order additional tests that will provide answers to many questions. Above all, what is wrong and how the test result can be improved. It is important to bear in mind that a bad semen test result - understood as a result below the standards set by the WHO - does not yet mean that the patient will not be able to have children. Sometimes it is enough to carry out an in-depth diagnosis, find the cause of the problem and implement an appropriate action plan to improve semen parameters. It is also worth mentioning that a man can come to each appointment with his partner.

In addition, a man should see an andrologist when he experiences pain or observes bleeding from the genital area. But also when he notices a decrease in his interest in sexual intercourse.

It is also a good idea to consult an andrologist when other symptoms are observed, such as loss of muscle mass, reduced mood or deterioration of facial hair. A visit is also advisable in the event of abnormal blood or urine test results and the onset of andropause symptoms.

Certainly, preventive appointments should be made by those men who know that there is a family history of STDs.

What does such a visit look like? What can a man expect?

I usually start the visit by talking to the patient and conducting a medical questionnaire. I try to understand what brings him or her to me. In order to diagnose the patient well and to take a professional approach to prevention, as well as to order the appropriate tests, I ask questions about the complaints experienced, the frequency and quality of intercourse, the history of diseases of the genitourinary system or possible genetic burdens, but I also ask about the process of sexual maturation and lifestyle - all of this is important for a proper diagnosis.

This part is usually followed by an examination. I first assess the patient's physique in general, then we look in more detail at the degree of sexual development - hairiness, history of mutation and, of course, the organs themselves. I check the consistency of the testicles, their range of mobility and their tenderness and soreness. This all allows the next steps to be properly determined.

What else can happen with an andrologist?

If necessary, the andrologist may order additional tests: more advanced semen tests (SCD test, HBA test, MSOME), hormonal tests, cultures. An ultrasound of the testes and scrotum is also performed.

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