Common urologic diseases in older men and their treatment: how they impact fertility

As men age, medical and surgical diseases involving the genitourinary tract become more common. The conditions themselves, if not their treatments, can negatively impact the fertility potential of an affected man. Many older men maintain the desire to father children, so it is critical to understand the disturbed anatomy and physiology involved to properly counsel that individual. Should this or that treatment regimen be employed? Should sperm banking be undertaken before institution of a permanently ablative/suppressive therapy? What are the long-term consequences of one therapy over another vis-à-vis sperm production, sperm quality, and/or sperm transport? In this context, some of the more common genitourinary afflictions of the older male and the treatment options that are available will be discussed.