Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Consider referring a male patient for specialist fertility assessment if:
- He has been trying to conceive with his partner for 1 year or more without success, and there is no known cause of infertility.
- There is a known clinical cause of infertility or a history of predisposing factors for infertility.
- The male patient has chronic viral infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV, requiring specialist expertise for safe risk-reduction investigation and treatment.
- There is evidence of abnormal semen analysis results, such as azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia, especially if confirmed on repeat testing.
- He has hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, which may benefit from specialist medical management.
- He has obstructive azoospermia, where surgical correction might be considered by specialists.
- Early referral is warranted if fertility-threatening treatments (e.g., cancer treatment) are planned.
Referral should be made to a specialist fertility team to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment and to provide appropriate counselling and support.
NICE CG156