What They Do
An andrologist is a physician who specializes in male reproductive health and fertility. Andrology is sometimes considered a subspecialty within urology, and in some healthcare systems it's practiced as a more distinctly recognized specialty in its own right.
What They Treat
Andrologists evaluate and treat conditions specifically related to male fertility and reproductive function, including issues affecting sperm production or quality, and structural or hormonal conditions affecting the male reproductive system. They often work closely alongside reproductive endocrinologists when a couple is undergoing fertility evaluation and treatment together.
Training Path
Becoming an andrologist typically requires completing a medical degree, followed by residency training in urology, and then additional specialized training focused specifically on male reproductive health and fertility. In some countries, andrology training is integrated closely within urology rather than existing as a fully separate fellowship pathway.
When to See One
People are commonly referred to an andrologist when male fertility evaluation suggests an issue related to sperm production or reproductive function, or when a couple is undergoing a broader fertility evaluation and the male reproductive side requires more focused assessment. Andrologists also evaluate certain hormonal conditions affecting male reproductive health more generally.
Background
Andrology developed as a more clearly defined area of medical focus over the second half of the 20th century, growing alongside advances in understanding male reproductive physiology and fertility. The field expanded considerably further as assisted reproductive technologies advanced, creating a greater need for detailed evaluation and treatment of male fertility factors alongside female fertility care.