Course / Introduction to Male Factor & Course Plan
This advanced course is designed for fertility specialists, reproductive endocrinologists, urologists, and allied professionals to deepen expertise in diagnosing and managing male factor infertility. Participants will gain evidence-based insights, clinical algorithms, and practical guidance on interventions — from lifestyle to assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
The curriculum builds on foundational reproductive biology and leads you through diagnostics, treatment options, and case-based decision making.
Who Should Enroll
Reproductive endocrinologists / infertility specialists
Urologists and andrologists
Embryologists, lab directors
Fertility clinic coordinators and managers
Medical fellows / residents in OB/GYN or Urology with interest in infertility
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Understand epidemiology and pathophysiology of male factor infertility
Interpret diagnostics: semen analysis, advanced sperm tests, genetic and immunologic workup
Formulate a diagnostic algorithm and personalized evaluation plan
Counsel couples and integrate male-factor findings into ART planning
Design treatment plans: medical, surgical, lifestyle, and assisted reproduction
Manage difficult cases: azoospermia (obstructive and nonobstructive), severe oligospermia, genetic causes
Stay current with emerging technologies: sperm selection, gene editing potential, microfluidics
Evaluate outcomes, complications, and follow-up care
Course Plan / Curriculum
Below is the full syllabus, divided by modules. You can follow sequentially or pick specific modules as needed.
| Module | Title | Key Topics | Format / Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Module 1 | Foundations & Epidemiology | Scope of male infertility; risk factors (age, lifestyle, environment); basic male reproductive physiology | Lectures, reading list, short quiz |
| Module 2 | Initial Diagnostic Workup | Semen analysis (WHO 6th edition), sample collection, quality control; interpretation of results | Video demonstrations, case vignettes |
| Module 3 | Advanced Laboratory Testing | Sperm DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress assays, ROS, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), advanced morphology metrics | Lab sessions or video demos, data interpretation exercises |
| Module 4 | Genetic & Endocrine Evaluation | Karyotype, Y-chromosome microdeletions, CFTR, hormonal panels (FSH, LH, testosterone, inhibin B), endocrine causes | Case studies, guideline review |
| Module 5 | Lifestyle, Environmental & Medical Interventions | Smoking, heat, toxins; antioxidant therapy; hormonal therapy; empirical medical therapy | Evidence review, clinical decision trees |
| Module 6 | Surgical Management | Varicocelectomy, sperm retrieval (TESE, micro-TESE, MESA, PESA); complications & optimizing outcomes | Surgical video walkthroughs, discussion, panels |
| Module 7 | Obstructive vs Non-Obstructive Azoospermia | Differential diagnosis and management; testicular biopsy; prognostic markers | Comparative algorithms, real-world case discussions |
| Module 8 | Integration with ART | IUI, IVF, ICSI considerations; sperm preparation and selection techniques; use of donor sperm when indicated | Protocol design workshops, lab-clinic integration |
| Module 9 | Challenging Scenarios & Special Topics | Retrograde ejaculation, ejaculatory dysfunction, immunologic infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, rare genetic causes | Problem-based learning, group discussion |
| Module 10 | Future & Emerging Technologies | Microfluidic sperm selection, artificial gametes, gene editing prospects, novel diagnostics | Emerging research review, guest expert webinars |
| Module 11 | Outcomes, Follow-Up & Ethics | Success metrics, adverse outcomes, long-term follow-up of offspring, ethical considerations, counseling | Lecture + case ethics forum |
| Module 12 | Capstone & Assessment | Case portfolio, final exam, peer review of management plans | Submission of a full case workup, viva / presentation |
Suggested Timeline
12–16 weeks (1 module per week with buffer weeks)
Flexible for self-paced learning
Weekly quizzes + assignments + one live Q&A
Final assessment in Week 13 or 14
Teaching Methods & Materials
Recorded lectures with slides
Surgical/lab video demonstrations
Case vignettes + guided discussion
Reading lists (key articles, guidelines)
Quizzes, assignments, peer discussions
Live webinars / instructor Q&A
Final case project
Assessment & Certification
Module quizzes (each ~10–15 multiple choice or short answer)
Assignment after selected modules (case writeups, algorithm proposals)
Final capstone case submission + oral presentation
Participants receive Certificate of Completion (or CME credit, if applicable)
Course Benefits for Your Clinic / Practice
Standardized, evidence-based protocols for male factor infertility
Improved diagnostic yield and treatment outcomes
Enhanced integration between lab, clinic, and surgical teams
Ability to counsel and manage complex cases in-house
Stay abreast of new technologies and prepare for future advances
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