Surgical management of male infertility: An overview.

BACKGROUND

The general practitioner is often the first to assess couples with infertility. In up to half of all infertile couples, a male factor may be found as a contributing cause.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to provide a broad understanding of the options available for surgical management of male infertility to assist couples in navigating their treatment journey.

DISCUSSION: Treatments may be classified into four categories: surgery for diagnostic purposes, surgery to improve semen parameters, surgery to improve sperm delivery and surgery to retrieve sperm for in vitro fertilisation. Assessment and treatment of the male partner by urologists trained in male reproductive health, working collaboratively within a team, can maximise fertility outcomes.