What is Andrology? Which Diseases Does the Andrology Department Treat?

Although I have explained "What is Andrology?" on different platforms, this time I will present the most comprehensive information about Andrology.

I can answer the question "What is Andrology?" as follows: "Andrology, which means 'science of men' in Latin, is a branch of medicine that deals with men's health in general, and specifically with male infertility and male sexual dysfunctions."

It is possible for Urology specialists to serve as Andrology specialists by continuing their education specifically in Andrology and obtaining a specific specialization by receiving andrological surgical training such as penile aesthetics. When approached from this perspective, while it can be said that all Andrologists are Urologists, it would not be a correct approach to state that every Urologist is an Andrologist.

Are Urology and Andrology the Same?

The main difference between Andrology and Urology specializations is the personal preferences (and sub-specialization path) of the specialist physician. If physicians who are Urology specialists continue their education specifically in andrology, they can also serve as andrology specialists after receiving sufficient surgical training.

Which Diseases Does Urology Treat?

Urology specialists treat urinary tract disorders and diseases in men and women.

• In women: Diseases concerning the kidneys, urinary tract, and bladder.

• In men: In addition to these, complaints related to the prostate and male reproductive system are handled by Urology specialists.

Which Diseases Does the Andrology Department Treat?

Andrology specialists focus directly on male reproductive system health and sexual dysfunctions such as:

• Premature ejaculation,

• Erectile dysfunction,

• Penile deformities.

They continue their work on different issues such as penile injuries, undescended testis problems seen in babies, and male-factor infertility.

What Are the Duties of Andrology Specialists?

Andrology, as I mentioned just before, is not a separate medical science (from Urology); Andrology specialists work to improve male sexual health and male infertility. In this direction, we can give the following answers to the question "What does Andrology look at?" or "Which diseases does the Andrology department treat?":

• Male Infertility: Andrology specialists deal with male infertility. Examination of sperm parameters of men who want to have children and the treatment of varicocele disease, which leads to low sperm values, are performed by Andrology specialists. Treatment methods that reduce the decrease in testosterone release and increase sperm quality are carried out by andrology specialists.

• Erectile Dysfunction: Andrology specialists diagnose erectile dysfunction and plan personalized erectile dysfunction treatment. They conduct patient-specific treatment processes in diseases related to male sexual health. When necessary, they apply treatment procedures for sexual dysfunction problems such as erectile dysfunction with minimal invasive treatments or penile prosthesis surgery (also known as the "happiness rod" surgery).

• Premature Ejaculation: Andrology specialists handle this problem of men experiencing premature ejaculation complaints, apply premature ejaculation treatment, and conduct physical treatment processes simultaneously with psychological treatment when necessary.

• Penile Deformities: Andrology specialists serve in the treatment process of deformities in the penis. After performing general health checks on men experiencing problems such as penile thinness, penile shortness, or penile curvature, they perform penile lengthening, penile thickening, or penile curvature correction operations.

• Circumcision: Andrology specialists, who have a command of penile anatomy, aim to prevent the formation of sexual dysfunctions likely to be experienced in the future due to faulty circumcision surgery by performing circumcision surgery under sterile operating room conditions.

• Prostate Diseases: Andrology specialists can also serve in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate diseases. Although there is a perception that prostate diseases are generally treated by Urology specialists, since the prostate gland is located within the male reproductive system, it also falls within the field of Andrology specialists.

In addition to all these, Andrology specialists, as Urology specialists themselves, can perform all the duties of urology specialists, including treatment procedures for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).