What is andrology?
Andrology is men's sexual and reproductive health: erections, ejaculation, hormones such as testosterone, sperm and fertility, and the testicles and scrotum. It is a part of urology. A urologist also looks after the kidneys, bladder and prostate, which matters because many of these problems are linked. Diabetes, for example, can affect erections, the bladder and the kidneys.
Problems a urologist can help with
- Erection problems: difficulty getting or keeping an erection. See erectile dysfunction.
- Early (premature) ejaculation, and pain or blood with ejaculation.
- Low sex drive or low testosterone, often with tiredness and low mood.
- Trouble having a baby: semen analysis and the male side of fertility. See male infertility.
- Varicocele: swollen veins above the testis. See varicocele.
- A curve in the penis with pain or a lump. See Peyronie's disease.
- Pain or a lump in the testicle. See testicular pain.
- A tight foreskin (phimosis) or repeated infection under it.
All of these are covered on our men's health page.
Why see a qualified doctor
Sexual problems are common and treatable, but they are sometimes the first sign of something else:
- Erection problems can appear years before heart disease, and are common with diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking.
- Low testosterone can come from a hormone problem that needs its own treatment.
- A lump in the testicle needs prompt checking.
- Medicines for blood pressure, depression or prostate problems can affect erections and ejaculation, and can often be adjusted.
A urologist checks for these causes, rather than only treating the symptom. Before you see anyone, it is reasonable to ask about their qualification and their medical council registration.
Your privacy
These are personal problems, and many men wait years before asking for help. At the clinic you talk to the doctor in private. You do not need to say what the problem is when you book, and nothing you enter in the website's appointment form is stored on the website. Read more in our privacy policy.
What happens at your visit
- The doctor asks about the problem, how long it has been there, your general health, medicines, smoking and alcohol.
- With your consent, he examines you.
- He looks at any earlier reports and explains which tests, if any, will help.
- He explains the likely cause and the treatment options, so you can decide together.
Tests the doctor may advise
- Blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure
- Morning testosterone, and other hormones if needed
- Semen analysis, for fertility
- Ultrasound or Doppler scan of the scrotum or penis, in some men
- Urine test, if there are urinary symptoms or infection
Treatment options after evaluation
Treatment depends on the cause. It may include lifestyle changes such as more exercise, less alcohol and stopping smoking; treating diabetes or blood pressure better; prescribed medicines; counselling for both partners where stress or anxiety plays a part; and, for some conditions such as a varicocele, an operation in hospital.
When not to wait
- Sudden, severe pain in a testicle, especially in a young man or boy, can be a twisted testis. Go to an emergency department at once.
- An erection lasting more than four hours is an emergency (priapism).
- An injury to the penis or testicles needs same-day care.
Men's health care in Gomti Nagar Extension
Swastik Urology Clinic is in Sector-5, Gomti Nagar Extension, near Sadar Tehsil, a short ride from Gomti Nagar, Shaheed Path and Chinhat. Dr. Aditya P.S. Sengar (MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DNB (Urology)) sees men with these problems in the morning OPD, Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and speaks Hindi, English, Bhojpuri and Gujarati. Request an appointment.
This article gives general information and does not replace examination, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor.
