ABSTRACT
Infertility is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a disease of the reproductive system defined by failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. A detailed investigation of patients with suspected male-factor infertility is essential to achieve diagnosis enabling correct, directed treatment. Disorders of sexual differentiation or delayed pubertal development are rare but important to detect and address. The couple should each be evaluated regarding previous pregnancies, contraception, duration of attempted conception and coital habits. The female partner needs to be investigated to rule out female-factor infertility. Inspection to assess appearance specifically body mass index and secondary sexual characteristics is carried out along with abdominal, groin and genital examination. Scrotal ultrasound is performed which can disclose structural abnormalities causing infertility. Follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinising hormone (FSH/LH), testosterone and prolactin should be requested in all patients.
