Purpose: Infertility affects 15–20% of couples and male factors are present in about half of the cases. For many aspects related to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of male factor infertility, there is no general consensus, and the clinical approach is not uniform. Methods: In the present document by the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), endorsed by the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research (SIERR), we propose evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of male factor infertility to improve patient and couple care. Results: Components of the initial evaluation should include at minimum medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis. Semen microbiological examination, endocrine assessment, and imaging are suggested in most men and recommended when specific risk factors for infertility exist or first-step analyses showed abnormalities. Full examination including genetic tests, testicular cytology/histology, or additional tests on sperm is clinically oriented and based on the results of previous investigations. For treatment purposes, the identification of the specific cause and the pathogenetic mechanism is advisable. At least, distinguishing pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular forms is essential. Treatment should be couple-oriented, including lifestyle modifications, etiologic therapies, empirical treatments, and ART on the basis of best evidence and with a gradual approach. Conclusion: These Guidelines are based on two principal aspects: they are couple-oriented and place high value in assessing, preventing, and treating risk factors for infertility. These Guidelines also highlighted that male infertility and in particular testicular function might be a mirror of general health of a man.

Management of male factor infertility: position statement from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS): Endorsing Organization: Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research (SIERR) / Ferlin, A.; Calogero, A. E.; Krausz, C.; Lombardo, F.; Paoli, D.; Rago, R.; Scarica, C.; Simoni, M.; Foresta, C.; Rochira, V.; Sbardella, E.; Francavilla, S.; Corona, G.. - In: JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION. - ISSN 0391-4097. - 45:5(2022), pp. 1085-1113. [10.1007/s40618-022-01741-6]

Management of male factor infertility: position statement from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS): Endorsing Organization: Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research (SIERR)

Simoni M.;Rochira V.;
2022

Abstract

Purpose: Infertility affects 15–20% of couples and male factors are present in about half of the cases. For many aspects related to the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of male factor infertility, there is no general consensus, and the clinical approach is not uniform. Methods: In the present document by the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS), endorsed by the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research (SIERR), we propose evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of male factor infertility to improve patient and couple care. Results: Components of the initial evaluation should include at minimum medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis. Semen microbiological examination, endocrine assessment, and imaging are suggested in most men and recommended when specific risk factors for infertility exist or first-step analyses showed abnormalities. Full examination including genetic tests, testicular cytology/histology, or additional tests on sperm is clinically oriented and based on the results of previous investigations. For treatment purposes, the identification of the specific cause and the pathogenetic mechanism is advisable. At least, distinguishing pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular forms is essential. Treatment should be couple-oriented, including lifestyle modifications, etiologic therapies, empirical treatments, and ART on the basis of best evidence and with a gradual approach. Conclusion: These Guidelines are based on two principal aspects: they are couple-oriented and place high value in assessing, preventing, and treating risk factors for infertility. These Guidelines also highlighted that male infertility and in particular testicular function might be a mirror of general health of a man.
2022
24-gen-2022
45
5
1085
1113
Management of male factor infertility: position statement from the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS): Endorsing Organization: Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction, and Research (SIERR) / Ferlin, A.; Calogero, A. E.; Krausz, C.; Lombardo, F.; Paoli, D.; Rago, R.; Scarica, C.; Simoni, M.; Foresta, C.; Rochira, V.; Sbardella, E.; Francavilla, S.; Corona, G.. - In: JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION. - ISSN 0391-4097. - 45:5(2022), pp. 1085-1113. [10.1007/s40618-022-01741-6]
Ferlin, A.; Calogero, A. E.; Krausz, C.; Lombardo, F.; Paoli, D.; Rago, R.; Scarica, C.; Simoni, M.; Foresta, C.; Rochira, V.; Sbardella, E.; Francavilla, S.; Corona, G.
File in questo prodotto:
File Dimensione Formato  
0111_Ferlin_et_al_JENI_2022.pdf

Accesso riservato

Descrizione: Published_Full_Article
Tipologia: Versione pubblicata dall'editore
Dimensione 1.21 MB
Formato Adobe PDF
1.21 MB Adobe PDF   Visualizza/Apri   Richiedi una copia
Pubblicazioni consigliate

Licenza Creative Commons
I metadati presenti in IRIS UNIMORE sono rilasciati con licenza Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal, mentre i file delle pubblicazioni sono rilasciati con licenza Attribuzione 4.0 Internazionale (CC BY 4.0), salvo diversa indicazione.
In caso di violazione di copyright, contattare Supporto Iris

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11380/1280659
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 15
  • Scopus 34
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 35
social impact