ABSTRACT
There is no single test that will predict the fertility potential of an individual. The semen analysis has little or no relation to the underlying etiology (see Chapter 5) and most treatments are based on enhancing sperm quality in vitro rather than treating the underlying dysfunction. Concern has been expressed that the evolution of microassisted techniques for IVF has led to a move away from trying to understand the causes of male infertility. We consider that our goal should be to give couples the possibility to conceive by natural intercourse rather than feed them into assisted conception programs, which are stressful, costly, and not without risks – risks largely borne by the female partner.
