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Imaging Modalities in the Management of Male Infertility

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Male Infertility

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Abstract

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples desiring conception, and male infertility comprises almost half of the cases. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is increasingly being used to overcome multiple sperm deficiencies and because of its effectiveness it has been suggested by some to represent the treatment for all cases of male factor infertility regardless of etiology. Although the use of these technologies may allow infertile couples to achieve pregnancy rapidly, associated higher cost, potential safety issues, and considering the fear of transferring the unnecessary burden of invasive treatment on healthy female partners weigh down this treatment option heavily. Diagnostic imaging techniques may be indicated as part of the complete male fertility evaluation. Productive therapy can be instituted only after completion of a thorough evaluation that begins with a detailed, direct history and physical examination. Due to the introduction and enhancement of newer imaging modalities, reliable adjuncts to clinical examination can be obtained to diagnose a variety of causes of male infertility including varicocele, epididymal blockage, testicular microlithiasis, seminal vesicle agenesis, and ejaculatory obstruction. Imaging plays a key role in the evaluation of the hypospermia or azoospermic man. It can detect correctable abnormalities, which can lead to a successful conception. It can also reveal potentially life-threatening disorders in the course of an infertility evaluation as testicular tumors. The goal of this chapter is to provide the reader with a foundation for a comprehensive evaluation of the male partner as well as emerging technologies that can improve the treatment of correctable causes of male infertility.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departmento de Urologia, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP Faculdade de Medicina Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Marcello Cocuzza

  2. Department of Urology, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Joao Paulo Cardoso

  3. PUR Clinic, University of Central Florida (UCF), Clermont, FL, USA

    Sijo J. Parekattil

Authors
  1. Marcello Cocuzza
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  2. Joao Paulo Cardoso
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  3. Sijo J. Parekattil
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. PUR Clinic, University of Central Florida (UCF), Clermont, FL, USA

    Sijo J. Parekattil

  2. ANDROFERT and State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil

    Sandro C. Esteves

  3. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA

    Ashok Agarwal

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Cocuzza, M., Cardoso, J.P., Parekattil, S.J. (2020). Imaging Modalities in the Management of Male Infertility. In: Parekattil, S., Esteves, S., Agarwal, A. (eds) Male Infertility. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32300-4_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-32300-4_4

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