Abstract
The disease of infertility affects approximately 15% of couples, rendering nearly one of six childless (World Health Organization [WHO], 1991). We can reasonably expect men and women to contribute an equal number of faulty gametes (Tielemans et al., 2002). The production and delivery of the male gamete requires complex orchestration among endocrine, immune, and neural systems, passage through intricately constructed anatomy, complex orchestrated sequences of gene expression and chromosomal structural events, and the proper embryologic and postnatal development of all systems. Along with a thorough history of the couple and an examination of the male, three general laboratory assessments make up the laboratory evaluation of male infertility: the endocrine evaluation, analysis of semen, and genomic assessment. Ultimately, a strong understanding of the diagnostic studies and effective communication between the patient and all collaborating physicians are critical for successful outcomes.