Spermatology laboratories

The Rise of men or equity in sex-linked health awareness?

Since young men do not usually consult a urologist, when it comes to fertility, it is always up to the woman to consult her gynecologist. In the absence of his urologist, it is her gynecologist to ask for a semen analysis. We all agree that the gynecologists are not competent to diagnose a varicocele, a prostate cancer, an epididymitis, or a testicular tumour. Despite the fact that these pathologies are only some of the many that may affect or even be the cause of a “weak” semen, the gynecologists use the W.H.O’s reference values to decide whether to advise for intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). As a result, “subfertile” men remain misdiagnosed, untreated, and therefore, their health condition worsens.

We all understand that the semen liquid provides us with information about the functionality of the prostate and the other accessory glands. It is therefore obvious that a semen analysis could become a checkup test for men’s health i.e., by far more than just a fertility test.

It should be taken into consideration that pathological conditions of the male genital tract are rarely present with symptoms, and since men do not usually consult a urologist before their fifties, when chronic conditions lead to prostatectomy rather than to treatment, the preventive checkup of men already by adolescence becomes mandatory.

It is very important to promote men’s awareness on their genital tract health. Such an initiative will raise the need for specialized Spermatology laboratories to assess the health condition of the male genital tract.

The Assisted Reproduction attracted many biologists, actually too many, who are now struggling to be employed in an IVF clinic. Fortunately, since they do know how to perform a semen analysis, they could manage a Spermatology laboratory themselves or in collaboration with other biologists. In order to make this idea successful, we thought about gathering together in national Associations of Spermatology, in order to make the biologists’ professional rights to be recognized, set regulations of good practice, support quality control between specialized laboratories, and promote the preventive checkup of men worldwide.

Hoping many biologists are interested in setting-up their own Spermatology Laboratory or/and founding a national Association of Spermatology in their own country, the Hellenic Association of Spermatology (HAS) invites them to get in contact at has@spermatology.org. We will provide you with the Constitution, Regulations and documentation and information useful to attain your goal. HAS is a non-profit association and any overmentioned information is offered free of charge.

Visit the Men’s Health campaign website: www.icarewebothenjoy.com

 

Georgios Voulgaridis
President of HAS