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The Annual Andrological Checkup is necessary for every man, already by adolescence.

Abnormalities of the menstrual cycle notify women that their ovaries do not function properly. An inflammation of the genital area notifies them that there is a urogenital tract infection (UTI).

Although men do not have symptoms that notify them about the function of their testicles and regardless they do get infected, too, they hardly perceive the signs.
Moreover, it’s been several years that women have been taught to visit their gynaecologist preventively once a year, regardless of whether they have abnormalities in the cycle or inflammation of the genital area.

On the contrary, although the preventive checkup is much more important for men, since they are asymptomatic, they are not taught to preventively visit an urologist since their adolescence.

However, men who seem to have an absolute need for preventive control have not yet learned to prophylactically visit the urologist from an early age.

How important is the Annual Andrological Checkup?

The importance of the Annual Andrological Checkup has recently been proven by an 8-years observational study.

A recent study including 1197 examinees revealed that 9 out of 10 men between 30 and 45 years old who had their first semen analysis for a fertility check, were found to have an infection of their prostate (prostatitis).

Since men are usually asymptomatic, they do not seek a urological advice. They transmit the infection to their female partners, who present recurrent mycoses, vaginitides and other UTIs, but usually only the women follow a regimen. As a result, infections remain untreated or inefficiently treated, since even when they are advised to follow their female partner’s regimen, this is most probably improper for them. It is thus not surprising that most men on their late thirties, when they are worried about their fertility, are diagnosed with a UTI.

Consequently, men shall consult an urologist at least each time their female partner presents an inflammation of the genital area (e.g. yeast, vaginitis, cervicitis or other UTIs) or generally any irritation, especially after coitus, despite the use of condom (read also FAQs regarding the use of condom).

The Annual Andrological Checkup is expected to reduce in the future a) the frequency of the sexually transmitted diseases, since men will not be the asymptomatic sources of infection, anymore, b) the need for IVF (in vitro fertilization), since men will have a better quality sperm, c) the cases of prostate cancer and generally of pathologies of the prostate, since these pathologies will not have time to become chronic. It will contribute significantly in the improvement of the sexual life of both sexes, since a) they will suffer less often from urogenital tract infections, b) a healthier prostate, will reduce the cases of premature ejaculation, c) by reducing the prostatectomies, both sexes will be enjoying sex even after the age of 50-ies, and d) the stress that inevitably accompany the subfertility issues in a couple will be significantly reduced

Like a Pap-test…but for men!

Pap-test checks whether the cervix of a woman is healthy. It does not check the rest of the uterus neither the ovaries nor the oviducts.

Now, there is a test that can tell a man whether his urogenital tract is healthy. It does not check only the prostate, but also the seminiferous tubules, the epididymides and the testicles. This test is called andro-test and is performed on semen.

What does the Annual Andrological Checkup consist in?

For a man to know that he is healthy, he must consult his urologist once a year after having an andro-test, an ultrasound of the scrotal area and the prostate (performed from the abdomen) and a hormonal analysis (FSH, LH, testosterone, TSH, Prolactine, androgens). Concluding, the Annual Andrological Checkup consists in:

• andro-test,
• ultrasound of the prostate and the testicles,
• hormonal checkup of the axis hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonads, thyrhoid gland and adrenals,
• visit to the urologist.

Corresponding to the breast self-exam

The Semen Self-Exam is a simple method that helps every man to check his genital tract health, by himself, at the intimacy of his personal space, without any cost, in a regular basis. It is defined at the scope to teach every man to care about his health. Abnormalities of the menstrual cycle notify women that their ovaries do not function properly. An inflammation of the genital area notifies them that there is an urogenital tract infection. Moreover, apart from the annual Pap-test, the gynaecologist shows them how to auto-examine their breasts monthly for any change in appearance or consistence. Although men do not have symptoms that notify them about the function of their testicles and regardless they do get infected, too, they hardly perceive the signs. However, apart from the annual checkup and the visit to the urologist, men can self-examine their health, too.

How can I check my testicles by myself?

When the scrotum (i.e. the sac of skin containing the testicles) is relaxed, you palpate your testicles looking for any changes in size, any irregularities in surface or whether they are more sensitive in pressure. Notice their size, shape and feel. Normally, an adult’s testicles are ovoid and their size is (2.5×2.5×4.0)cm (approximately the size of a plum), they feel smooth, slightly sensitive in pressure and move almost freely inside the scrotum. Locate the epididymis, a cord-like structure atop and behind each testicle, which is slightly sensitive in pressure, too.

How can I check my semen by myself?

After a three-days’ abstinence, use a plastic cup to collect and observe your semen. The Semen Self-Exam constists in three simple steps:

• First step: Volume: shall not be smaller than a huzelnut or bigger than a cherry*.
• Second step: Colour and consistency: shall not be transparent, red or brown and shall not contain gels that dissolve later than in 30min from ejaculation
• Third step: Viscosity: the sperm shall not be watery.

WARNING: The above statements consist only in indications that shall prompt a man to visit an urologist. The absence of these indications does not exclude a pathological condition. Other parameters, such as pH or morphology may be the only ones to be affected. However, only an expert biologist can assess them, while specialized laboratory equipment is necessary. Therefore the periodic andro-test is recommended.

If you notice at least one abnormality, you must consult an urologist.

*More accurately, observe your sperm observe your sperm by using an urine cap and a 5ml syringe. The volume shall not be smaller than 2 or bigger than 5ml.

The purpose of HAS is to promote knowledge, quality control and good practice in the field of human Spermatology in order to protect the human health. Therefore, international and interdisciplinary cooperation should be strengthened. To this purpose, HAS consists in: i. a scientific community with a common interest in the study of the human semen; ii. an organization competent for regulating the operation of works, institutions and services related to the study of the human semen; and iii. an audit and certification body competent for performing audit and certification of natural or legal persons dealing with the study of the human semen.