Somatic investigation of the infertile man

The investigation of the male partner of an infertile couple is described. The medical history should include diseases, operations, traumata of the intrascrotal organs, exposure to X-rays, the use of drugs and any viral infection. The second part of the investigation is the physical examination. This should include: the accurate assessment of the body configuration, a varicocele examination, palpation of testis, epididymis and vas deferens, and rectal palpation of the prostate.