What is Andrology? In brief, andrology is the study of issues related to the male reproductive and genital systems. Thus, andrology is for men, just as gynecology is for women.
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The emergence of andrology is attributed to significant advances in basic and clinical research that enhance our understanding of male reproductive function.
Why did andrology develop later than gynecology? The prevailing mindset of male superiority is one of the factors hindering its progress. In male-dominated societies, men have difficulty accepting that what is considered the “symbol of male strength” could have problems, particularly those leading to infertility, which has traditionally been assigned to women. Ironically, it is men who have developed gynecology and witnessed its rapid advancement as seen today.
Research on male sexuality often began from psychological perspectives rather than biological ones, with many doctors previously believing that erectile dysfunction was primarily psychological. Even the movement of a finger requires a complex mechanism; it is unreasonable to think that the male genitalia can function without such mechanisms.
Andrological Conditions Are Not Just Psychologically Driven
Over 90% of male reproductive health issues have physical causes that can be identified and effectively treated. Treatment may involve medication, mechanical assistance, or surgical intervention.
The previous tendency among medical professionals to attribute most male reproductive issues to psychological origins is largely a result of ignorance. The famous Masters and Johnson research institute only treated patients after a series of tests to rule out physical conditions. Masters and Johnson declared in the 1970s that over 90% of cases of erectile dysfunction were psychological, but this is now considered a historical perspective.
Common Andrological Conditions:
– Approximately 50% of infertile couples have male-related causes.
– Erectile dysfunction is not just a problem for older individuals;
– Gender identity issues and preferences for transitioning to the opposite gender;
– Ejaculatory disorders;
– Conditions such as penile curvature, priapism; defects in the reproductive tract (epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct); misplaced urethral opening; undescended testicles; scrotal swelling including the scrotal skin and inner part; sexually transmitted infections in men; groin swelling (including hernias); delayed puberty in boys.
Conditions Commonly Associated with Erectile Dysfunction:
1. Diabetes
2. Hypertension
3. Atherosclerosis
4. Kidney failure
5. Heart disease
6. Neurological disorders – multiple sclerosis, stroke, hemiplegia, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease…
7. Sudden injuries – for example, to the pelvic area and pelvic floor
8. Gradual injuries – such as from long-term cycling.
9. Surgical procedures – on the small intestine, rectum, bladder, retroperitoneal space, spine, urethra, prostate…
10. Local conditions such as Peyronie’s disease
11. Medications for peptic ulcers, hypertension, mental health issues…
Diabetes significantly impacts erectile function (over 50% of diabetic patients experience erectile dysfunction), as do hypertension, smoking, alcohol abuse, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, and over 250 medications that can cause erectile dysfunction. Injuries to the pelvic and genital areas, as well as many surgical interventions in these regions, can lead to erectile dysfunction due to damage to small blood vessels and nerves supplying the penis. However, most of these conditions can be treated with modern andrological methods.
What Has Modern Andrology Achieved?
Modern andrology can be considered a revolution in treating male reproductive health issues, thanks to simpler, more accurate, and comprehensive diagnostic methods: high-precision measurements of blood flow to the penis, pinpointing blocked blood vessels (similar to identifying blockage in coronary arteries), and counting and observing sperm on computer screens.
Surgical tools allow visualization of structures that are not visible to the naked eye, with magnification up to 40 times, achieving high precision in procedures.
Reproductive laboratories are dedicated to researching and preserving sperm, and methods like artificial insemination and intracytoplasmic sperm injection have become routine. Microscopic bypass surgery for treating erectile dysfunction and infertility, as well as the implantation of specialized devices to treat erectile disorders, can now be performed in many specialized facilities, although there is still much work ahead.
Dr. DAO XUAN DUNG
