Male Infertility: A Comprehensive Review of Urological Causes and Contemporary Management
Male infertility is a prevalent global health issue, with urological disorders representing some of the most common and correctable causes. Key conditions such as varicocele, obstructive azoospermia, erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease impair fertility through distinct pathophysiological mechanisms, including disrupted spermatogenesis, reproductive tract obstruction and failed sperm delivery. The effective management of these conditions hinges on a systematic diagnostic evaluation, which integrates clinical history, physical examination, semen analysis and specialized imaging. Modern management follows a logical progression, beginning with foundational lifestyle modifications, advancing to targeted medical or surgical interventions, and culminating, when necessary, in assisted reproductive technologies. Treatment strategies are therefore highly targeted, ranging from medical management and surgical correction-such as varicocelectomy or microsurgical reconstruction-to sperm retrieval techniques. Furthermore, evidence-based lifestyle modifications and a multidisciplinary clinical approach are fundamental to optimizing reproductive outcomes for affected couples. A comprehensive understanding of these urological etiologies is therefore essential for guiding appropriate intervention and improving the prospects of achieving pregnancy.
Authors
- Luigi Napolitano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2036-0356)
- Michele Musone
- Vincenzo Caputo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9462-1427)
- Michelangelo Olivetta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8607-349X)
- Arturo Lecce
- Marco Grillo
- Federico Capone
- Marco Stizzo
- Dante Dino Di Domenico
- Dario Del Biondo
- Pasquale Reccia
- Luigi De Luca (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4877-5564)
- Roberto Falabella (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6247-7037)
- Ugo Amicuzi
- Fabrizio Dinacci
- Salvatore Papi
- Simone Tammaro (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-9000-7534)
- Francesco Del Giudice (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3865-5988)
- Felice Crocetto
- Mariano Coppola
- Giovanni Pagano
- Giampiero Della Rosa
- Silvestro Imperatore
- Antonio Madonna
- Biagio Barone
- Stefano Chianese
Institutions
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" (IT)
- Ospedale Antonio Cardarelli (IT)
- Ospedale San Carlo (IT)
- Ospedale San Paolo (IT)
- Ospedale Monaldi (IT)
- University of Naples Federico II (IT)
- Sapienza University of Rome (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2026-01-05
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010397
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Sperm and Testicular Function
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 83.89