Andrology

Andrology is a medical sub-speciality of Urology that is focused on male sexual health, with a particular focus on conditions such as infertility, erectile dysfunction and penile conditions including tight foreskin and penile curvature. At New Victoria Hospital, our Andrology team, which is comprised of leading Urologists, specialise in male urology problems and provide the appropriate course of treatment.

From initial consultation through to treatment, our highly-experienced Andrology consultants will provide you with the highest standard of care, whilst giving you the guidance and support you need to make a full and lasting recovery.

What is Andrology?

There are a number of conditions which fall under the umbrella of Andrology.

These include:

Male infertility
Vasectomy and vasectomy reversal
Sexual dysfunction in men - this includes erectile dysfunction (impotence) and premature ejaculation
Penile reconstruction
Testicular problems - such as varicocoele, hydrocoele, orchitis and testicular torsion
Priapism - an abnormally prolonged erection
Retrograde ejaculation
Seminal vesiculitis
Spermatocoele or hydrocoele
Prostatitis - an inflammation of the prostate gland
Peyronie's disease - also known as a penile curvature which affects the curvature and length of the penis
A penile fracture or trauma to the penis - typically as a result of an accident or pre-existing health condition
Gender affirmation surgery
Testicular cancer

In some cases, these conditions may require emergency treatment. For patients experiencing severe symptoms, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Patients looking to implement contraceptive procedures may also be referred to the Andrology team.

Andrology at New Victoria Hospital

Following an initial consultation with a member of the Urology team, you may be referred to the Andrology department for further investigation. If your diagnosis falls under one of the conditions listed above, the Consultant Andrologist will present you with the possible treatment plans, medications and surgeries available to you.

Surgical andrology treatments at New Victoria Hospital offer include:

Adult circumcision

Adult circumcision is a surgical procedure, the foreskin (the retractable fold of skin attached to the head of the penis) is removed. In most cases, this is necessary when an individual is experiencing problems where the foreskin cannot be pulled back properly or retract into its original position.

Orchidectomy

An Orchidectomy is a procedure which involves the removal of the testicle following the identification of a cancerous tumour or trauma (which could lead to further complications down the line). Generally a day surgery, it takes place under a general anaesthetic and sees a small incision made above the groin to remove the affected testicle.

Hydrocoele Removal

A Hydrocoele is a problem that may occur children and older men. This usually presents as a painless swelling of the testicle and it may slowly grow to a size that would affect one’s quality of life. Surgery can be offered to excise the sac of fluid responsible for this even though it is not a cancerous condition.

In boys, the collection of fluid forms when a connection between their abdomen and their scrotum does not naturally close before they are born. The natural fluid that surrounds the bowel may trickle down and collect in the scrotum around the testicle, forming a hydrocoele. It requires surgical interventions to close the connection but the surgery for this is usually performed by a paediatric urologist.

Penile Implant Insertion

Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction or requiring a phalloplasty (penile reconstruction) may be recommended penile implants. These are mechanical devices which are inserted into the penis to help allow the man to regain erectile function.

Penile implants can also be offered to men following penile reconstruction for gender affirmation, congenital conditions, or have lost or damaged their penis due to an accident, trauma or through cancer.

Vasectomy

A vasectomy is a male contraceptive surgical procedure also known as ‘male sterilisation’. It is a minimally invasive day surgery where the tubes (vas deferens) that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis are divided. As a result, the sperm can no longer mix with the seminal fluid (semen) and no insemination occurs during intercourse.

A vasectomy is a permanent method of contraction which has a 99% effective rate of preventing pregnancy.