Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Male fertility depends on intact spermatogenesis regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus stimulates pituitary release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH acts on Leydig cells to produce testosterone, while FSH acts on Sertoli cells to support sperm maturation within seminiferous tubules. Male infertility results from abnormalities in sperm production (testicular failure, hormonal dysregulation), sperm function (motility or morphology defects), or sperm delivery (obstructive causes, ejaculatory disorders). Varicocele is the most common correctable cause, impairing spermatogenesis through elevated testicular temperature and oxidative stress. The nurse assists with specimen collection instructions, monitors for medication side effects, provides emotional support, and reports relevant findings to the nursing team.