What is andrology?
Derived from the Greek word “andros”, andrology is a specialty of urology that focuses on conditions and treatments related to fertility and male sexuality. Andrology will take care of problems related to the male sexual organ, such as erectile dysfunction (sexual impotence), Peyronie's Disease, Low Testosterone (Andropause – Androgenic Disorder of Aging Male), testicles that have not descended (cryptorchia), crooked penis, Varicocele ( Scrotal varicose veins) correction of phimosis, Micropenis, STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases etc. Learn about the main problems treated by andrology:Erectile dysfunction (sexual impotence)
When a man is unable to maintain or achieve a quality erection, with sufficient rigidity for sexual penetration, he can be evaluated with erectile dysfunction. The causes for triggering the problem can be both physical and psychological. There are several factors that will lead to the problem, from hormonal, vascular, neurogenic, drug issues, diseases such as diabetes or hypertension, cancer treatments, smoking and other problems. In addition to psychological causes such as performance anxiety. Studies by the Brazilian Society of Urology point out that at least 50% of men will present the problem to some degree over 40 years.male hormone deficiency
The main hormone that promotes physical and sexual health in men is testosterone. When there is an imbalance in this hormonal part, the man can be affected in several ways. Testosterone peaks in adolescence and early adulthood, but after age 40, testosterone levels drop by an average of 1% to 2% each year. When a man has low testosterone levels, a condition known as hypogonadism, this change will cause several changes in his body, which can cause loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, tiredness, discouragement, irritability, increased fat, decreased strength, etc. . In these cases, the indicated treatment is hormone replacement with bioidentical testosterone.Infertility
Data from the Ministry of Health indicate that infertility affects 10% to 20% of couples of reproductive age in Brazil. Of these cases, 30% are caused by male factors. Andrology also takes care of the reverse process that is when men no longer want to have children and want vasectomy surgery.Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Andrology also treats men for sexually transmitted diseases, which are those that can be contracted through sexual contact. The most well-known diseases are:- HPV (Human Papilloma Virus): affects the genital area and the oral mucosa;
- urethritis (urethral discharge – gonorrhea, or by Chlamydia);
- Syphilis: systemic contagious infectious disease (affects the entire organism), which evolves in a chronic (slow) way and has periods of exacerbation (more acute) and periods of latency.
- soft cranium,
What are the most common causes of male infertility?
The most common problems that cause male infertility can be the result of:- Hormonal and genetic factors;
- Obstruction of the channel through which the spermatozoa pass;
- Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles);
- Varicocele (abnormally dilated veins in the testicle);
- Previous injury or surgery to the testicles;
- sexually transmitted diseases;
- Infections (urinary, prostatitis and urethritis);
- Treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
- Diabetes.
When can we consider a man to be in andropause?
The correct name for what is popularly called andropause is Androgen Deficiency of Aging Male (DAEM), which is characterized by the fall in the production of the hormone testosterone in the male body. This hormonal reduction usually occurs after age 40 and can bring symptoms such as: fatigue, mood swings, loss of libido, decreased muscle and bone mass, increased abdominal fat, sleep disorders, memory loss, discouragement, etc.What is Peyronie's Disease?
When the man has this pathology, the Peyronie's disease, fibrosis or even calcification will develop on the inner wall of the penis (tunica albuginea). These fibrosis will produce an inelastic scar tissue that causes an abnormal curvature of the penis. Often, this curvature will make sexual intercourse completely unfeasible. The problem can also lead to erectile dysfunction or already be associated with erectile dysfunction.What are the treatments for male infertility?
Some diseases, such as varicocele, may require treatment with surgical procedures. Men already vasectomized can also plan a vasectomy reversal. In other cases, drug treatments can improve sperm quality when there are related hormonal deficiencies.What are the treatments to improve men's libido?
Having a healthy life, with a balanced diet, the practice of physical exercises, adequate sleep quality, stress control, avoiding the use of cigarettes, alcohol and drugs contribute a lot to male libido. However, when men have hormonal problems they may need hormone replacement to correct testosterone levels, which can also affect libido if it is low in the body.What are the treatments for sexual impotence?
Erectile dysfunction can have several causes and will require different treatments according to the extent of the problem, such as:- Sex Therapy;
- Drug treatments: use of substances that help with penile irrigation and improve erection;
- Penile Rehabilitation: pelvic floor physiotherapy, vacuum therapy, etc;
- shock wave treatment;
- penile injections;
- Implantation of penile prostheses.