INFERTILITY, MALE

Ask the Following Questions:

1. Are there abnormalities on examination of the external genitalia and prostate? Abnormalities that need to be looked for are Klinefelter's syndrome, epididymitis, testicular atrophy, urethritis, and prostatitis.
2. Are there abnormalities on the endocrine examination? The general endocrine examination may reveal hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or hypopituitarism.
3. Are there stress factors that need to be considered such as marital difficulties or overwork? Overwork and marital difficulties may lead to drug addiction and alcoholism, among other problems. All these affect fertility.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

Routine laboratory tests include a CBC, urinalysis, chemistry panel, thyroid profile, VDRL test, and sperm count. If there is a urethral discharge, a smear and culture should be done. If the sperm count reveals oligospermia on two separate specimens, referral should be made to a urologist or endocrinologist for further evaluation.

Additional tests that can be ordered include blood tests for LH, FSH, and testosterone. Additional tests of pituitary function may be indicated. Karyotype testing and sperm function tests may be needed. If these are normal, a testicular biopsy may need to be done. Ultrasonography of the testicles may be helpful.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Other Book Chapters Related to Fertility symptoms

Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Fertility symptoms:

Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

More About Causes of Fertility symptoms

• Back to symptom: Fertility symptoms: Introduction (review 220 causes)
• Next Book Extract About Fertility symptoms: Amenorrhea (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
• All Book Extracts: All Online Book Extracts for Fertility symptoms

More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

 » Next page: Amenorrhea (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

Rate This Website

What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

Website User Survey

Medical Tools & Articles:

Next articles:

• Amenorrhea (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
• Amenorrhea – Secondary (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
• Amenorrhea – Primary (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
• INFERTILITY (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)
• HYPOMENORRHEA AND AMENORRHEA (Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care)

Tools & Services:

• Bookmark this page
• Take a survey relating to Fertility symptoms
• Symptom Search
• Symptom Checker
• Medical Dictionary
• Give your feedback

Medical Articles:

• Disease & Treatments Search
• Misdiagnosis Center
• Full list of interesting articles

Forums & Message Boards

• Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
• I cannot get a diagnosis. Please help.
• Tell us your medical story.
• Share your misdiagnosis story.
• What is the best treatment for my condition?
• See all the Boards.

Enter your search terms Submit search form
Search The Web Search wrongdiagnosis.com

Common Health Mistakes

Symptom
Checker

Search Specialists by State and City