SARS-CoV-2 infection, male fertility and sperm cryopreservation: a position statement of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) (Società Italiana di Andrologia e Medicina della Sessualità).

PURPOSE: The recent pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to coronavirus (CoV) 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has raised several concerns in reproductive medicine. The aim of this review is to summarize available evidence providing an official position statement of the Italian Society of Andrology and Sexual Medicine (SIAMS) METHODS: A comprehensive Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline and Cochrane library search was performed. Due to the limited evidence and the lack of studies, it was not possible to formulate recommendations according to the Oxford 2011 Levels of Evidence criteria. RESULTS: Several molecular characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 can justify the presence of virus within the testis and possible alterations of spermatogenesis and endocrine function. Orchitis has been reported as a possible complication of SARS-CoV infection, but similar findings have not been reported for SARS-CoV-2. Alternatively, the orchitis could be the result of a vasculitis as COVID-19 has been associated with abnormalities in coagulation and the segmental vascularization of the testis could account for an orchitis-like syndrome. Finally, available data do not support the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in plasma seminal fluid of infected subjects. CONCLUSION: Data derived from other SARS-CoV infections suggest that in patients recovered from COVID-19, especially for those in reproductive age, andrological consultation and evaluation of gonadal function including semen analysis should be suggested. Studies in larger cohorts of currently infected subjects are warranted to confirm (or exclude) the presence of risks for male gametes that are destined either for cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen or for assisted reproduction techniques.

The management of unexplained infertility: an evidence-based guideline from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society.

Unexplained infertility is a common diagnosis affecting as many as 50% of couples seeking infertility care. As a diagnosis of exclusion, its treatment remains largely empirical. Historically, a step-wise progression in treatment has been initiated with the least invasive, least expensive option followed by a gradual progression to therapies using assisted reproductive technology. In recent years there have been advocates for more rapid-progression IVF. This guideline from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) provides comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of unexplained infertility, including expectant management, laparoscopy, intrauterine insemination (IUI) alone, ovarian stimulation with oral agents or gonadotropins alone, ovarian stimulation + IUI, and IVF. The quality of supporting evidence for each recommendation is evaluated using the framework outlined by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. This guideline recognizes that the therapeutic approach should be individualized taking into account patient age and duration of infertility, and emphasizes those strategies that are most likely to result in a healthy live birth.

Management of thin endometrium in assisted reproduction: a clinical practice guideline from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society.

The impact and management of thin endometrium is a common challenge for patients undergoing assisted reproduction. The objective of this Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) guideline is to provide evidence-based recommendations using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) framework on the assessment, impact and management of thin endometrium in assisted reproduction. The effect of endometrial thickness on pregnancy and live birth outcomes in ovarian stimulation and IVF (fresh and frozen cycles) is addressed. In addition, recommendations on the use of adjuvants to improve endometrial thickness and pregnancy outcomes are provided.

Is there plagiarism in the most influential publications in the field of andrology?

Plagiarism is a common form of academic misconduct that extensively jeopardises the quality of scientific publication. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of plagiarism in the most influential andrology articles. A total of 77 highly cited andrology articles were analysed for their similarity index using iThenticate and Turnitin. The articles were categorised based on the year (before and on/after 2000) and type of publication (review and research articles), and the similarity indices were compared. Furthermore, the analysed articles were categorised based on the level of similarity using an arbitrary similarity index range (low: ≤10, moderate: 11-20, high: 21-50 and very high: >50) and average incidence rate (%) was determined. Our analysis revealed a higher percentage of the similarity indices for reviews than research articles. We noticed a higher similarity index for articles published on/after 2000 than those published before. The majority of the influential articles in the field of andrology showed a low similarity index, while some articles exhibited moderate to high levels of similarity. These findings support the need for the development of similarity index guidelines as a major pre-requisite for establishing a more transparent and efficient system to address plagiarism in scientific publications.

Sperm toxicity testing: UK best practice guideline from the Association of Biomedical Andrologists.

In order to ensure the quality and integrity of diagnostic semen analysis results, materials used should be tested to ensure that they do not interfere with sperm function. As a toxicity test, complex sperm function testing may be considered controversial, since the fertilizing capacity of single sperm can never be assured. In preference, sperm motility offers a unique means of assessing the toxicity of reagents and materials before they are used in routine practice. Motility is the semen parameter most likely to be influenced by the external environment. Indeed, it is the main reason that laboratories insist on supplying their own approved specimen containers and ensuring that patients, as far as possible, adhere to strict conditions for sample collection and transport prior to testing. This differs to other indirect tests of toxicity such as the mouse embryo assay, whereby the rate of mouse pre-implantation embryo development to the blastocyst stage is compared. This guideline is aimed at health care scientists who deal with andrology in both general pathology and specialised fertility laboratories, and provides a model approach to sperm toxicity testing. For assisted reproduction clinics, the same methodology can be used to test any consumables that are used for sperm processing, and as an indirect guide for any consumables that come into direct contact with oocytes and pre-implantation embryos.

Use of large-volume, fixed-depth, disposable slides for post-vasectomy semen analysis.

Vasectomy is the surgical procedure used for male contraception. Traditionally, operative success has been established by the issue of a laboratory report stating the achievement of azoospermia. The purpose of this study is to establish if this is an achievable or realistic status and if a change to the current best practice would provide an acceptable and cost-effective alternative. In principle, human fecundity is complex and measured in probabilities, which is inconsistent with the implied absolute requirement to establish the complete absence of spermatozoa.

[The consensus of the Portuguese Society of Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Reproduction on Male HPV: diagnosis]. / Consensos em HPV masculino da Sociedade Portuguesa de Andrologia, Medicina Sexual e Reprodução: diagnóstico.

HPV infection affects about 50% of sexually active individuals at least once in a lifetime. Diagnosis is made on careful inspection of the genital area and can be divided into benign lesions (genital warts or condyloma acuminatum) and pre-malignant lesions (intraepithelial neoplasia) that can lead to cancer (invasive neoplasia). Diagnostic recommendations are reviewed in Male, Female, Couple and in the immunocompromised host. Recent histological concepts are also discussed.

Infertile couples still undergo assisted reproductive treatments without initial andrological evaluation in the real-life setting: A failure to adhere to guidelines?

BACKGROUND: The EAU guidelines on male sexual and reproductive health state that both partners of the infertile couple should undergo simultaneous investigation. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence and the characteristics of infertile men who were referred for an andrological evaluation after failed attempts of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) with those who were evaluated at the beginning of their infertility pathway at a single academic centre over a 17-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 3213 primary infertile couples assessed between 2003 and 2020 were analysed. Descriptive statistics compared the overall characteristics of male partners of couples with (+ART) or without (-ART) previous ART prior to andrological consultation. Logistic regression models analysed variables associated with +ART. Local polynomial regression models explored the probability of +ART over the analysed time frame. RESULTS: Of all, 493 (15.3%) participants were +ART. Patients and female partners' age was higher in +ART couples (all p ≤ 0.04). Sperm concentration, progressive sperm motility and normal sperm morphology were lower in +ART than in -ART patients (all p < 0.001), along with a greater percentage of non-obstructive azoospermia in +ART compared to -ART men (p < 0.0001). At univariable analysis, patient age and partner age >35 years and a less recent assessment were associated with +ART status (all p ≤ 0.04). Male age and less recent years of assessment were also independent predictors of +ART, after accounting for partner's age >35 years (all p < 0.01). A not significant decrease of this pattern was observed throughout the last 7 years at local polynomial regression models. DISCUSSION: Overall awareness towards the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for the male partner of every infertile couple should therefore be further strengthened. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 15% of couples still undergo ART without any initial andrological evaluation in the real-life setting. A not significant decrease in this trend was observed over most recent years.

[Consensus on HPV of the Portuguese Society of Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Reproduction: Treatment]. / Consensos em HPV Masculino da Sociedade Portuguesa de Andrologia, Medicina Sexual e Reprodução: Tratamento.

The treatment of condyloma is generally a challenge in clinical practice. Although the spontaneous resolution rate is high, a significant proportion of patients seek treatment, not because of symptomatology, but mainly for aesthetic issues and concerns related to the transmission or worsening of existing lesions. The available treatments should be applied only for clinically evident macroscopic lesions. Ideally, available therapies should have rapid action onset and clearance, resolve symptoms, reduce recurrence rate and viral load, be effective in treating small lesions, and be well tolerated. However, none of the currently available treatments is clearly more effective than the others and there is no ideal treatment for all patients or for all condyloma. Therefore, the therapeutic decision should be based on the clinician's experience, available resources, lesion morphology, size, number and location, primary or recurrent lesions, disease severity, patient preference and expectations, patient's immune competence, convenience, tolerance, cost of treatment and results of previous therapies. The available treatments are divided into three groups: applied by the patient himself (imiquimod 3.75 or 5%, podophyllotoxin .5%, synecatekines 10% or 15%), applied by the health care provider (bi- and tricloacetic acids 80%-90%, intralesional interferon alpha, cryotherapy, surgical removal, electrofulguration, laser ablation) and experimental or alternative therapies (topical cidofovir, intralesional bleomycin, photodynamic therapy). Treatment methodologies can be further divided into their action - ablative or destructive treatment (cryotherapy, electrofulguration, laser ablation, surgical excision), cytotoxic or proapoptotic treatments (podophyllotoxin .5%, 5-fluoruracil, bleomycin) and immunomodulatory treatments (imiquimod 3.75% or 5%, synecatekines 10% or 15%, intralesional interferon alpha). The overall success rate of the various treatments available ranges from 23% to 94%. Only treatments that include cryotherapy or surgical excision are suitable in condyloma with any anatomical location and that have the highest success rate in monotherapy. Recurrences are common regardless of the treatment received. In contrast, immunomodulatory therapies despite having lower initial clearance rates appear to have higher probabilities of cure in the medium term, with low recurrence rates. Some treatments may be combined with each other and the effectiveness of combined therapies appears to be superior to monotherapy (proactive sequential treatment). The consensuses for the treatment of HPV also consider special situations: immunocompromised patients, meatus and intraurethral lesions and treatment of the partner.

Introduction: Rare and unusual andrologic syndromes that clinicians should be aware of.

There are conditions that are rare and that most providers are unaware of or conditions that consist of a series of symptoms for which there is no agreement that they are even a medical condition. These include painful nocturnal erections, post-orgasmic illness syndrome, body dysmorphic disorder, and post-finasteride syndrome. While some have a psychiatric basis, others clearly have an organic pathophysiology, while for others, there remains much controversy. This month's Views and Reviews will inform the reader of these conditions so they may recognize affected patients and direct them towards appropriate resources for their care.

Testosterone therapy: where do the latest guidelines agree and differ?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The incidence of testosterone deficiency and number of men on testosterone therapy (TTh) has increased significantly over the past 3 decades. This rise has been accompanied by controversies surrounding the indications and possible adverse effects of therapy. To better inform prescribing habits among providers, many major medical associations have devised guidelines regarding the diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency. While these guidelines agree in many areas, there are some key differences that should be identified. This review will explore the similarities, differences, and rationale for these guidelines. RECENT FINDINGS: Over the past 7 years, much attention has been devoted to the implications of TTh on cardiac health. All reviewed guidelines include dedicated sections discussing these implications and the society's position on prescribing testosterone considering recent findings, however, differ on specific contraindications to TTh and when to initiate therapy after a cardiovascular event. In addition, the American College of Physicians released its first guideline earlier this year which may impact prescribing habits among primary care physicians. SUMMARY: The differences between testosterone deficiency guidelines may indicate gaps in our knowledge of testosterone deficiency and focuses of future research efforts. Prescribers should be aware of these differences and discuss all treatment options with their patients.

Subspecialty training in andrology.

The field of andrology has evolved significantly in both Europe and the United States over the past 30 years. Although andrology fellowship training programs in these two regions share some common aspects, there are substantial differences as well. Andrology is a broader field in Europe, with andrology fellowship training incorporating topics such as prostate disease, testicular cancer, and genitourinary infection/inflammation. In the United States, these issues are more commonly taught during urology residency, with andrology fellowship training focusing more commonly on male sexual and reproductive health. Finally, European and American fellowship training is compared and contrasted in terms of certification and accreditation procedures, with a look toward the future in each region.

Treatment of androgen deficiency in the aging male.

Although guidelines for androgen replacement therapy for older men have been developed by several groups, the data to support treatment are based on the results of only a small number of clinical trials. It has not been definitively established that the decline in testosterone seen in most aging men results in an androgen deficient state with health-related outcomes that can be improved by androgen therapy.

Acreditación de los laboratorios de Andrología en la República Argentina / Accreditation of Andrology laboratories in Argentina / Credenciamento dos laboratórios de Andrologia na República Argentina

La acreditación de laboratorios especializados en Andrología tiene como objetivo promover, mejorar y asegurar la calidad del servicio. Las especialidades requieren de la participación de expertos que asesoren a los organismos autónomos que efectúan las auditorías de tercera parte. El objetivo del trabajo es comunicar la experiencia de trabajo cooperativo llevado a cabo por una sociedad científica, la Sociedad Argentina de Andrología (SAA) y el Programa de Acreditación de Laboratorios (PAL) de la Fundación Bioquímica Argentina (FBA) para el aseguramiento de la calidad de la prestación bioquímica en el área andrológica. Con tal fin se firmó un convenio marco y específico de colaboración para la acreditación de laboratorios especializados en Andrología. La FBA llevaría a cabo la logística del proceso, con su plantel de auditores, aplicando como instrumento el Manual de Acreditación MA3 y la SAA proveería asesoramiento científico. Junto con las autoridades del PAL se elaboró un documento que especifica los apartados correspondientes al MA3 capítulo Nº 4 Anexo Nº 4, "Estándares para la acreditación de laboratorios especializados". Se realizó capacitación para la elaboración de la documentación y formación de los auditores en la especialidad. Esta experiencia demuestra que el trabajo cooperativo entre organizaciones permite alcanzar logros a favor de la seguridad del paciente.

Laboratory accreditation aims to promote, improve and ensure the quality of the service. The specialties require the participation of experts who advise the autonomous bodies that carry out third-party audits. The objective is to communicate the experience of cooperative work carried out by a scientific society, the Sociedad Argentina de Andrología (SAA) (Argentine Society of Andrology) and the Laboratory Certification Programme (PAL for its name in Spanish) of Fundación Bioquímica Argentina (FBA) (Argentine Biochemistry Foundation) for quality assurance of the biochemical work in the andrology area. To reach this goal, a framework and specific collaboration agreement was signed for the certification of specialized laboratories in Andrology. The FBA will carry out the logistics of the process, with its auditors' staff, applying the MA3 Accreditation Manual as an instrument, and the SAA will provide scientific advice. Together with the PAL authorities, a document was drawn to specify the sections corresponding to the MA3 chapter No. 4 Annex No. 4, "Standards for the certification of specialized laboratories". Training was carried out to prepare the documentation and the auditors in the specialty were trained as well. This experience has proven that cooperative work between organizations can achieve results favouring the patient's safety.

O credenciamento dos laboratórios visa promover, melhorar e garantir a qualidade do serviço. As especialidades requerem a participação de profissionais que assessoram os órgãos autônomos que realizam auditorias de terceiros. O objetivo é comunicar a experiência do trabalho cooperativo realizado por uma sociedade científica, a Sociedade Argentina de Andrologia (SAA) e o Programa de Credenciamento (PAL) da Fundação Bioquímica Argentina (FBA) para garantir a qualidade do trabalho bioquímico na área andrológica. Para esse fim, foi assinado um acordo-quadro e específico de cooperação para o credenciamento de laboratórios especializados em Andrologia. A FBA iria executar a logística do processo, com a sua equipe de auditores, por meio do Manual de Credenciamento MA3 como instrumento e a SAA como um instrumento e a SAA forneceria assessoramento científico. Junto com as autoridades do PAL foi elaborado um documento especificando as seções relativas ao MA3 capítulo Nº 4 Anexo Nº 4, "Normas para a credenciamento de laboratórios especializados". O treinamento foi realizado para a elaboração da documentação e formação dos auditores na especialidade. Essa experiência tem demonstrado que o trabalho cooperativo entre organizações permite atingir resultados positivos para a segurança do paciente.

Recommended practices for the management of embryology, andrology, and endocrinology laboratories: a committee opinion.

This document provides a general overview for physicians of the qualities and conditions necessary for good management practices within the endocrinology, andrology, and embryology laboratories in the United States. It is intended as an addendum to previously published guidelines that further detail these responsibilities.