Andrologist – What does the andrologist do?

The andrologist is the medical specialist for men. But what does an andrologist actually do and what does an andrological examination look like? Read here what the men’s doctor does during the examination and how he can help with problems such as testosterone deficiency or erectile dysfunction.

Focus of an andrologist: Specialist for men

Men’s medicine has only recently developed into an independent field of activity. Andrologists work in various medical fields, such as urology (as specialists in the male reproductive system), endocrinology (as specialists in hormones and hormonal disorders) and dermatology (as dermatologists).

The specialty of an andrologist includes topics such as:

• sterility (infertility)
• Erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction)
• premature ejaculation
• if necessary, surgical interventions in the genital area
• Disorders of hormone formation in the testicles ( hypogonadism ), such as testosterone deficiency
• male birth control (contraception)
• the aging process in men (senescence)

What does the andrologist do?

If there are problems, such as erectile dysfunction, the andrologist examines the  hormone status of the man.  Testosterone deficiency leads to severe disorders in the areas of blood formation, bone metabolism, mood, libido and erectile function. If there is a testosterone deficiency, the patient receives replacement therapy, either with a gel, patch or injections.

According to information from the DGA, four to six million men between the ages of 30 and 70 are affected by erectile dysfunction in Germany alone. The earlier the problem is tackled, the better the chances of recovery. Therapy options include psychotherapy, medication or surgical procedures.

The andrologist can also carry out preventive examinations for the early detection of prostate cancer.

Many men go to the specialist late

Unfortunately, many men with erectile dysfunction avoid going to a specialist out of shame at losing their masculinity or fear of the examination. On average, those affected wait around a year and a half before seeking medical help.

Numerous diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases,  high blood pressure ,  diabetes  and cancer lead to damage to the ability to have an erection and thus to impotence. This erectile dysfunction can also be a first indication of other disorders (e.g.  coronary artery disease ).

Andrological examination: what does the male doctor do?

The first step of the andrological examination is always the anamnesis, i.e. the personal interview in which the andrologist asks for various information about the symptoms and the medical history.

The medical examination can then include the following measures, depending on the symptoms:

• Palpation of the scrotum for  lumps , which   may indicate testicular cancer .
• Palpation of the prostate: The pressure and pain sensitivity of the prostate is determined.
• In addition, imaging methods such as an ultrasound examination can help to examine the genitals.
• Sometimes a blood test  , urine test, or sperm sample may also  be required.

Andrologist: doctor for men

An increasingly important area of ​​work for andrologists is the  treatment of the aging male. The peculiarity of aging is  much better researched and clinically treated on the part of the woman with the onset of menopause (menopause) – “… here there is a considerable knowledge deficit on the part of the aging man. The aging man has special andrological diseases and a special risk profile that must be observed when carrying out therapies”, writes the DGA.

Only after careful examinations, possibly a DNA analysis of the hereditary factors, can a comprehensive therapy be determined and started. This has little to do with the miracle pills against aging, obesity or erectile dysfunction known from advertising.

Men deal with their health differently

In their last ten years, men are often ill. Every second man dies from cardiovascular diseases. Men have a higher risk of   dying from cancer or cirrhosis of the liver . About 40 percent of men over 30 have erectile dysfunction.

Not even 20 percent of men take advantage of the annual cancer check-up at the urologist. A high price that men pay for the high demands they place on themselves, because health primarily means performance for men.

Martin Neumann from the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) Sachsen writes: “It seems almost paradoxical that men often do not treat their bodies exactly squeamishly: They drink more alcohol, smoke more and eat less healthily than women. And if there is a pinch somewhere , then one does not like to talk about it, because an Indian knows no pain and above all has no time for it.” The andrologist also advises on these general health issues.

Andrologist also advises on questions related to nutrition

Such medical advice includes, among other things, questions of nutrition, because men and women differ in their eating  habits from an early age. Boys prefer  salt , fat and sugar in their diet, girls eat more fruit and vegetables. Men in industrialized societies like the United States who are between 30 and 50 years of age are more likely to eat meat, bread and alcohol, while women there prefer fruit,  yogurt  and  coffee  , as reported by the journal Epidemiology (3, 1992, 194).

“Age is not innate, but can be determined within limits,” writes Prof. Dr. Rolf-Dieter Hesch, endocrinologist and pioneer of the men’s doctor in Germany, in his book “Absolut Mann” (Midena-Verlag, Munich). “But if you want to grow old, you should also have a positive attitude towards life and, if possible, commit yourself permanently – because optimistic people in a stable partnership live longer.”