Andrology is a branch of medicine that is concerned with diseases that are specific to males, in particular, the reproductive organs. Andrology focuses on androgen use and abuse, prostate diseases such as prostate cancer, sexual dysfunctions, and testicular disorders such as testicular cancer. Below are some of the ways andrology nurses track their patients’ fertility treatment.
Sperm DNA Fragmentation Analysis
Patients should know the following specific details about their treatment when going in for a semen analysis. Immediately after collection, semen samples are microscopically assessed by a technician to ascertain their fertilization ability. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxy uridine triphosphate-nick end labeling or a fancy way of saying the “TUNEL assay” is a technique used to assess DNA damage. Basically this will determine whether a man’s DNA present in each of his sperm, is damaged or not. This can make a big difference when trying to get pregnant. Using the TUNEL assay provides vital information on the damage levels of DNA present within a sample. Patients should know that this can be well tracked by a health information administrator who is certified to analyze and protect medical information. This helps nurses track the fertility of the sperm and can advise patients accordingly.
Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting Technique
Studying the use of magnetic activated cell sorting techniques or MACS for sperm selection improves the assisted reproductive technology or ART success rates for couples who are under the assisted reproductive health treatment. Patients should know that nurses use this to track the most fertile time for the man and advise them on when it is okay to start trying to have sex so they can fertilize an egg. The MACS system has been proved to be safe and is an efficient way of selecting functional sperm. This technique is mostly learned during the specialization stage, and a Ph.D. in nursing is one of the areas studied to learn this particular technique. Individuals with this type of degree are better equipped to successfully treat their patients.
Analysis of Reactive Oxygen Species Levels in Semen
This is another test patients should be aware of. It will increase their chances of successfully becoming a father as they go through infertility treatment. Measuring of reactive oxygen species or ROS is used to determine the fertility in men. High levels of ROS is the main cause of infertility in men. Studying the determination of a reference range in men assists in the diagnosis of male infertility with an emphasis on unexplained infertility cases. What this means to patients is that they must reduce their oxidative stress to produce healthy sperm for fertilization.
Fluorescence Microscopy Used to Assess Ejaculated Spermatozoa
Medical procreation can be enhanced through externalization of phosphatidylserine or EPS. When a man ejaculates, his sperm contains EPS which can be removed by a process called density gradient centrifugation or DCG, and MACS. This results in improved spermatozoa with long term feasibility, motility, and mitochondrial membrane potential. EPS can be used to indicate the quality of sperm. Removing of EPS spermatozoa is likely to enhance fertility in assisted medical procreation.
The above techniques are very useful for patients as they are assisted by andrology nurses with specific advice for their specific situation while receiving fertility treatment. With this amount of knowledge, reproduction can be kept at its peak for most patients and will help them learn what necessary precautions should be taken where and when needed.
