Recent developments in the evaluation and treatment of male infertility

An abnormal male factor contributes to reproductive failure in approximately 50% of infertile couples. New tools are available for the diagnostic workup of the male, including transrectal ultrasonography, when ejaculatory duct obstruction is suspected. A laparoscopic approach and percutaneous embolization have been added to traditional surgical approaches for repairing varicoceles. Advanced reproductive technologies, especially intracytoplasmic sperm injection, offer promise in the area of treatment. Current techniques to harvest sperm include microsurgical and percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration and testicular sperm extraction.