Male infertility. 1. Patient evaluation

Although the cause of male infertility is often obscure, proper evaluation can reveal physiologic abnormalities on which a concept of management can be based. Evaluation includes history taking, physical examination, laboratory studies, semen analysis, radiographic studies, and occasionally, testicular biopsy and other studies. The history and physical examination are the foundation of evaluation and may provide clues to diagnosis. However, semen analysis is the most informative test in evaluation of male infertility. For optimum results, proper collection techniques must be followed and data must be carefully interpreted.