News | ANDRONET: Advancing International Andrology Research and Education
Andrology is the medical specialty focused on male health and diseases affecting male reproductive organs and function, including male infertility, hypogonadism, testicular and prostate cancer, male contraception, erectile dysfunction, and male aging. It has received less public-health attention than gynecology. Launched in October 2021, the ANDRONET COST Action uses international collaboration to advance research, education, and public awareness.
Why Is Male Health Often Overlooked?
Social traditions often place responsibility for infertility on women, while stereotypes of masculinity discourage men from discussing physical and mental health. The success of assisted reproduction such as IVF can also create the misconception that “one sperm is enough,” obscuring serious health conditions behind male infertility.
Male infertility is complex and multifactorial; known genetic abnormalities explain only 20%-25% of cases. Lifestyle, environmental exposure during fetal life or childhood, infection, occupational exposure, and aging may contribute. Rising infertility and testicular cancer rates, along with links between poor male reproductive function and overall health, underscore the need for research.
Industry Integration and International Collaboration
ANDRONET connects research laboratories with medical centers holding extensive clinical data and samples. Its network currently includes 239 experts from 41 countries and is expected to expand.
Core goals include:
Promoting interaction and collaboration in European andrology research through multidisciplinary study of male infertility.
Improving public awareness of male health and addressing the lack of European public-information platforms.
Strengthening education by working with organizations including the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the European School of Urology (ESAU), and the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) to train clinicians in diagnosing and treating andrological conditions.
Educational Challenges and Outlook
Only a few European countries offer structured andrology education, and the field is not formally recognized as a medical specialty. ANDRONET vice-chair Professor Csilla Krausz said the program will seek EU-wide recognition and expand high-quality training centers.
A Platform for Research and Exchange
In June 2023, ANDRONET held the European Testis Workshop (ETW2023) in Montreux, Switzerland, providing a forum focused on testicular biology and dysfunction and deepening European research collaboration.
Through international cooperation and shared resources, ANDRONET aims to address the longstanding neglect of male health and improve health and quality of life.
News | ANDRONET: Advancing International Andrology Research and Education
News | ANDRONET: Advancing International Andrology Research and Education
Andrology is the medical specialty focused on male health and diseases affecting male reproductive organs and function, including male infertility, hypogonadism, testicular and prostate cancer, male contraception, erectile dysfunction, and male aging. It has received less public-health attention than gynecology. Launched in October 2021, the ANDRONET COST Action uses international collaboration to advance research, education, and public awareness.
Why Is Male Health Often Overlooked?
Social traditions often place responsibility for infertility on women, while stereotypes of masculinity discourage men from discussing physical and mental health. The success of assisted reproduction such as IVF can also create the misconception that “one sperm is enough,” obscuring serious health conditions behind male infertility.
Male infertility is complex and multifactorial; known genetic abnormalities explain only 20%-25% of cases. Lifestyle, environmental exposure during fetal life or childhood, infection, occupational exposure, and aging may contribute. Rising infertility and testicular cancer rates, along with links between poor male reproductive function and overall health, underscore the need for research.
Industry Integration and International Collaboration
ANDRONET connects research laboratories with medical centers holding extensive clinical data and samples. Its network currently includes 239 experts from 41 countries and is expected to expand.
Core goals include:
Promoting interaction and collaboration in European andrology research through multidisciplinary study of male infertility.
Improving public awareness of male health and addressing the lack of European public-information platforms.
Strengthening education by working with organizations including the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), the European School of Urology (ESAU), and the European Academy of Andrology (EAA) to train clinicians in diagnosing and treating andrological conditions.
Educational Challenges and Outlook
Only a few European countries offer structured andrology education, and the field is not formally recognized as a medical specialty. ANDRONET vice-chair Professor Csilla Krausz said the program will seek EU-wide recognition and expand high-quality training centers.
A Platform for Research and Exchange
In June 2023, ANDRONET held the European Testis Workshop (ETW2023) in Montreux, Switzerland, providing a forum focused on testicular biology and dysfunction and deepening European research collaboration.
Through international cooperation and shared resources, ANDRONET aims to address the longstanding neglect of male health and improve health and quality of life.
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Collected online