Male Infertility: The Current Status

Abstract

Infertility is now a leading issue on the reproductive agenda. It is a widespread problem affecting an estimated 20% of all couples who are trying to conceive. The science and practice of male infertility has evolved tremendously in last few decades. Infertility may be attributable to male in as many as 50% cases. There have been many recent advances in the field. Refined techniques of molecular biology are now well integrated into investigative processes and diagnostic procedures. The evolving field of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics has the potential to radically change the methods of diagnosis, prognostication and management of infertility. The impact of genetic disorders on testicular functions is beginning to be understood. Research in genetic sequencing and processing may provide answers of many poorly under stood causes of idiopathic male infertility today. This might also lead to identification of effective interventional techniques and a possible gene therapy. With observation and quantification of sperm bound antibodies, immunologic infertility is also becoming a challenge in the field of medical research. The future of stem cell treatment of infertility is probably the most exciting treatment in the horizon. Successful transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells into adults with resultant spermatogenesis is a distinct possibility in near future.