What would the typical referral for a male with severe oligospermia include?

In the context of a male with severe oligospermia, which is defined as a significantly low sperm count, an endocrine evaluation is essential. This evaluation typically includes assessing hormone levels that may affect spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production. Key hormones evaluated in this context include testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Abnormalities in these levels may suggest conditions such as hypogonadism, where there is inadequate production of testosterone, or conditions impacting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.

The importance of an endocrine evaluation lies in determining if there is an underlying hormonal issue that can be addressed, potentially improving sperm production. Treatment options may vary based on the findings and could include hormone replacement therapy or other medical interventions aimed at normalizing hormone levels.

While the other options can be relevant in specific cases of male infertility management, they are not standard initial components when dealing specifically with severe oligospermia. For instance, ultrasound of the scrotum could be useful if there is suspicion of anatomical abnormalities, but it is not universally required for all cases of oligospermia. Genetic counseling may be indicated if there is a suspicion of genetic causes of