When it comes to male reproductive and urinary health, two medical specialities often come up: andrology and urology. While they may seem similar, they focus on distinct aspects of male health. Understanding the differences can help individuals seek the right treatment at the right time.
What Is Andrology?
Andrology is a specialised branch of medicine that focuses exclusively on male reproductive health and related conditions. It deals with issues such as male infertility, sexual dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances.
Andrologists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting male fertility and sexual health, including:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Male infertility
- Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
- Peyronie’s disease (penile curvature)
- Testicular disorders
What Is Urology?
Urology, on the other hand, is a broader medical speciality that deals with diseases of the urinary tract in both men and women, as well as conditions affecting the male reproductive system. Urologists treat issues related to the kidneys, bladder, urethra, and prostate gland. They also perform surgeries such as kidney stone removal and prostate surgeries.
Some common conditions treated by urologists include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH)
- Bladder control problems (incontinence)
- Urological cancers (prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer)
Andrology vs. Urology: Understanding the Key Differences
While both andrologists and urologists deal with male reproductive health, their areas of expertise differ. Below are the key differences:
1. Scope of Specialisation
- Andrology focuses exclusively on male reproductive and sexual health.
- Urology covers both male and female urinary tract disorders and male reproductive system issues.
2. Conditions Treated
- Andrologists treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction, male infertility, and hormonal imbalances.
- Urologists manage kidney stones, UTIs, prostate diseases, and urinary incontinence.
3. Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Treatments
- Andrologists primarily offer non-surgical treatments, although some procedures, like varicocele repair, penile curvature correction and penile implants may be performed.
- Urologists frequently perform surgeries, such as prostate surgery and kidney stone removal.
When Should You See an Andrologist?
Men experiencing reproductive or sexual health concerns should consult an andrologist. You should seek andrological care if you have:
- Difficulty conceiving despite regular unprotected intercourse
- Symptoms of low testosterone, such as fatigue, low libido, or reduced muscle mass
- Persistent erectile dysfunction
- Unusual changes in testicular size or shape
When Should You See a Urologist?
A urologist is the right specialist to consult if you have:
- Frequent urinary infections or pain while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or incontinence
- Kidney stones
- Prostate-related concerns such as difficulty urinating
Andrology and IVF: A Crucial Connection
For couples undergoing fertility treatments, andrologists play a significant role in assessing and improving male fertility. They conduct semen analysis, diagnose sperm-related issues, and offer treatments to enhance sperm health. In cases where sperm retrieval is needed for IVF or ICSI, andrologists perform procedures such as testicular sperm aspiration (TESA) and micro-TESE.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Specialist for Your Needs
While andrology and urology have overlapping areas, they serve different purposes. If you are facing male fertility or hormonal concerns, consulting an andrologist is advisable. However, for urinary tract and prostate issues, a urologist is the right specialist.
At Milann Fertility Centre, our experienced andrologists work closely with fertility specialists to help men optimise their reproductive health. If you have concerns about male fertility or sexual health, book a consultation with our experts today.
Reviewed by
Dr. Praveen B Joshi - Andrologist, Urologist and Urological Surgeon Kumara Park, J P Nagar, Indiranagar, Whitefield, & HSR Layout.
