Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples, with 50% having a male factor issue. However, in most couples who are diagnosed with infertility, the male partner is rarely adequately tested. We have a specialised series of tests for men seeking fertility management, from simply wanting to know their fertility status to the more complex management of recurrent pregnancy problems. The Androfertility Clinic sees one the largest numbers of male infertility patients in the UK and offer a personalised, accessible and highly- effective service to help ensure all is done to optimise fertility in the male partner. In some cases, fertility issues are an indication of other issues (over 5% have genetic problems, for example) so investigating the man is of paramount importance.
The message is simple : the male factor has to be diagnosed and treated early to achieve the best possible fertility outcomes.
We offer all levels of male fertility assessment from the basic (e.g. am I fertile?) to the complex.
Our award winning research has informed our practice and our patients benefit from many breakthroughs in the fast-developing male fertility field. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Hormone tests and detailed infection screens (semen cultures, urine cultures, extended cultures) are done in-house. Basic semenalysis and specialised sperm tests like DNA Fragmentation analysis and ROS (Reactive-Oxygen species), both developed with the input of the clinic, are offered. Imaging tests like ultrasounds of the scrotum and genital tract are carried out by an expert radiologist from the Androfertility Clinic specialising in fertility.
At each step, detailed explanations as to why the tests are done and how the results influence how we proceed with fertility interventions (sperm retrieval, IVF, ICSI) along with tips and strategies and access to our team of allied health professionals (nutritionists, embryologists) is offered.
We only offer the safest and most successful fertility procedures and techniques to help achieve our patient’s goals.
Our success rates for sperm retrieval, even for the most complex cases are amongst the highest published. The Androfertility Clinic continues to provide proven techniques that ensure the best possible chance of a successful procedure. See our testimonials here
The list of procedures offered include:
Surgical Sperm Retrieval (PESA/MESA/TESA)
Advanced sperm retrieval including Micro-TESE
Onco-Fertility procedures (Cancer Specific Sperm Retrieval)
Microsurgical & Radiological Varicocele repair
Vasectomy reversal
Vibro-ejaculatory or Electro-ejaculatory sperm harvest
Other treatments for rarer conditions are also available
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that is often a marker of other disease. Patients with ED need careful investigation prior to treatment. There is sometimes ejaculatory dysfunction (premature or delayed ejaculation). Medication should also be tailored to the needs of the patient, with newer forms such as injection, pellets & creams often developed. Many other options exist including techniques like extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Surgical solutions for severe ED like penile implants are an end-stage option. Here at the Androfertility Clinic, we are able to offer a wide range of safe, suitable treatments personalised to suit your health and requirements.
Our clinic has been at the forefront of treating men with erectile dysfunction after prostate or pelvic surgery. We have helped set up guidelines for treatment in cancer hospitals around the world and in the UK (Guys & St Thomas to The Royal Marsden, for example).
At the Androfertility Clinic, a step-wise, monitored approach has proven beneficial especially if the patient needs can be identified prior to surgery. This is also the basis for much international research we are conducting and contributing to in this setting.
Penile curvature due to issues such as Peyronie’s Disease are more common than we think – over 10% and probably even more men have curvature, and many will have consequent sexual issues. The Androfertility clinic provides a range of options for men with troubling penile curvature and specialises in minimally invasive therapy such as intralesional injections (to soften the scar that causes the curvature) & low intensity shock-wave therapy. In some cases, men do have to consider reconstructive surgery, which we also specialise in. All therapy is tailored to the patient’s priorities and progress is monitored closely.
Although testosterone levels fall as men age, the decline is steady at less than 2% a year from around the age of 30 to 40, and this is unlikely to cause any problems in itself. This has been somewhat misleadingly described as the ‘Andropause’ although in contrast to the menopause, there is no sudden cessation of hormones.
However, testosterone deficiency that develops later in life, also known as late-onset hypogonadism, can sometimes be responsible for symptoms of loss of sex drive, erectile dysfunction, low mood and other physical and emotional symptoms.
Whilst many men do not need or indeed benefit from Testosterone treatment, it is important to rule out a serious hormonal deficiency. Our Androfertility clinic will help perform the detailed tests and interpret the results required to inform this diagnosis.
Our clinic is linked to the national-access multi-specialty Klinefelter’s Disease clinic, which oversees the complex needs of men with genetic conditions which result in fertility problems, low testosterone and potentially many other issues. This is not as rare as we think, with 1:660 born with this condition.
The importance of managing these patients lies in a cohesive multi- specialty approach involving many specialties including endocrine, genetics, psychology and reproductive medicine. This is also the case for other patients needing our input within a multispecialist framework, for example patients with cancer requiring Testosterone therapy.
The Androfertility Clinic can help oversee this process, and is also a provides specialist clinic input for other conditions with similar andrological requirements.
The Androfertility Clinic also offers many specialist diagnostic and therapeutic andrology procedures such as:
Circumcision/Frenuloplasty/Foreskin procedures
Scrotal surgery including hydrocele repair
Epididymal surgery including cyst excision, epididymectomy or reconstruction
Radical /partial orchidectomy for testicular lesions
Removal of penile skin lesions
Other forms of genito-scrotal surgery/reconstruction
Advances Stamey localisation testing for prostatitis
For more information or if you are enquiring about a particular procedure (listed here or not) please ask us here