Posted by admins on March 9, 2011 under Diseases and Conditions | 
Male Menopause
Male menopause is a term used to refer to an age-related decline in testosterone levels in men. However, male menopause is a misleading description because it suggests a comparison with the dramatic end of reproductive function in women.
All women experience a profound fall in oestrogen levels at the time of the menopause. However, in men, testosterone levels fall much less and more gradually. This decline may not affect all men.
Other terms used to refer to a decline in testosterone levels include andropause or viropause. These terms have no established medical meaning.
Testosterone treatment is often not necessary
Testosterone treatment should not be endorsed, sought or prescribed as a ‘cure-all’ for symptoms of ageing. There is no evidence that testosterone treatment will benefit older men with slight falls in testosterone levels.
Only men with proven testosterone deficiency (also referred to as androgen deficiency) will benefit from testosterone treatment.
Diagnosis
Symptoms associated with a low testosterone level may include low energy, fatigue, poor concentration or memory, mood changes, low sex drive or loss of muscle strength. However, these symptoms occur in other conditions and are often not a good guide to a man’s testosterone level. Read more of this article »
Posted by admins on under Diseases and Conditions |
Male Infertility
New life begins when an egg from a woman is fertilised by sperm from a man. Around 20 million sperm per millilitre (ml) need to be present in the ejaculate, with enough mobility and strength to swim the journey to the fallopian tube, where conception normally takes place. The odds of a young fertile couple conceiving by having sexual intercourse around the time of ovulation are approximately one in five every month. A couple isn’t suspected of fertility problems until they have tried, and failed, to conceive for one year. Approximately 20 per cent of couples experience difficulties. In most cases, the couple can be helped with assisted reproductive technologies. Around 40 per cent of fertility problems originate in the man. Male fertility problems include poor quality sperm or blockages in the tubes of the reproductive system.
Obstructions
Sperm are made in the testicles. During ejaculation, sperm are pushed (by muscular contractions) through a series of small tubes called the epididymis, and mixed with seminal fluid from structures called seminal vesicles. The prostate gland also adds fluid. The semen is forced along a larger tube (vas deferens), into the urethra and out of the penis. In around one in three cases of male infertility, blockages or absences of tubes (including the vas deferens) are the cause of infertility. Causes may include vasectomy and injury.
Problems with sperm
Problems with sperm numbers or quality are thought to be caused by genetic factors. Melbourne researchers have discovered that tiny fragments of the male chromosome may be missing in some men with sperm problems. This may cause:
* Absent sperm (azoospermia) – the semen doesn’t contain any sperm. This may be caused by a blockage of the tubes, or testicular failure.
* Low sperm count (oligospermia) – the ejaculate has insufficient numbers of sperm to bring about conception.
* Abnormal shape – a healthy sperm is shaped like a streamlined tadpole. Abnormally shaped sperm may have problems penetrating the surface of the woman’s egg.
* Poor motility – a healthy sperm has a lashing tail, which helps it to swim through the woman’s reproductive system. Sperm with poor motility may swim feebly, or not at all.
Functional problems
Functional problems that can cause or contribute to male infertility include:
* Impotence – the inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
* Problems with the testicles – caused by injury, infection or chemotherapy.
* Prostatectomy – side effects of the surgical removal of the prostate gland, including infertility, impotence and incontinence.
* Certain disorders – such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes can cause erection and ejaculation difficulties.
* Antibodies – the man’s immune system makes antibodies that hinder the activity of sperm, such as reducing the sperm’s ability to latch onto the partner’s egg. Read more of this article »