Main description:

This book provides a comprehensive overview of endocrinology of the male reproductive system, explaining how it works and how, sometimes, it fails to work. World-class specialists present state of the art knowledge on all aspects, including anatomy, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations of testicular diseases, endocrine aspects of andrological and sexual diseases, and therapy. Extensive consideration is given to sexual development, testicular function, the clinical approach to disorders of male reproduction, male hypogonadism, sexual dysfunction, and male infertility. In addition, sociodemographic, psychological, and ethical aspects of male reproductive disorders are discussed. The book is intended as a major reference for endocrinologists, andrologists, and sexologists, as well as basic and clinical scientists. It is published as part of the SpringerReference program, which delivers access to living editions constantly updated through a dynamic peer-review publishing process.

Contents:

Part I Physiology of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, the testis, and testicular function: Control of GnRH secretion.- GnRH action .- Gonadotropins.- Gonadotropins receptors.- Sex determination.- Sexual differentiation.- Fetal testicular function (Testosterone, AMH, INSL3).- Testis development and descent.-Functional anatomy and histology of the testis .-Testicular steroidogenesis and testosterone.- Androgen actions - androgenic - anabolic ? (including testosterone metabolism DHT, E2).- Androgen receptor.- Spermatogenesis (including endocrine and paracrine control.- Epididymal sperm transport and fertilization .- Part II Cli

nical approach to the disorders of male reproduction: Anamnesis and physical examination .- Hormonal laboratory examination.- Genetic analysis .- The semen analysis .- Imaging in andrological examination .- Histopathological evaluation of the testis .- Part III Disorders of sexual development and male hypogonadism: Disorders of sexual development .- Classification and epidemiology of hypogonadism.- Clinical manifestation and diagnosis of androgen deficiency .- Primary and secondary hypogonadism.- Delayed puberty .- Androgen resistance .- Estrogen deficiency.- Hypogonadism in systemic diseases .- Effect of cancer treatments on testicular function.- Gynecomastia.- Late-onset hypogonadism .- Treatment of hypogonadism .- Part IV Male infertility: Male infertility .- Genetics of male infertility .- Immunological aspects of infertility .- Rational treatment of male infertility .- Empirical treatment of male infertility .- Varicocele .- Assisted reproduction for male infertility .- Intra-testicular sperm extraction.-- Cryopreservation of spermatozoa.- Therapy with anti-androgens .- Part V Miscellaneous aspects: Male contraception .- Use and abuse of androgens .- Socio-demographic aspects of male reproductive disorders.- Psychological aspects of male infertility.- Ethical aspects of male reproductive disorders and their treatment .