ANDROLOGY

The main physiological functions of globulin that binds sex hormones (SHBG) in the male body are the transport of sex steroids in hydrophilic blood and the creation of a buffer system that smooths out fluctuations in the concentration of free testosterone. In addition, sex hormone binding globulin can limit the biological activity of sex steroids by reducing the concentration of the free fraction of the hormone, but only when the hypothalamicpituitary-testicular axis is non-functioning or inadequately functioning.

Introduction. The study of the human microbiome has become of increasing scientific interest. A balanced and diverse microbiota of the male re- productive system is essential for optimal reproductive health. Today, there are no diagnostic tests to determine the effect of specific microorganisms on the quality of seminal fluid, however, the use of next-generation sequencing (NGS), using the 16S rRNA gene sequence as a molecular marker, provides us with the opportunity to understand the complexity of the relationship between the microbiome and its host.

Introduction. The progressive deterioration of reproductive function, observed throughout the world in recent decades, is an extremely alarming trend, while the incidence of male infertility is increasing. The universal pathogenetic mechanism of spermatogenesis disorders, which underlies almost all forms of male infertility, is oxidative stress of sperm. It has various manifestations, the essence of which, as a rule, boils down to the formation of mitochondrial dysfunction and fragmentation of sperm DNA.

Introduction. Everywhere, about 15% of couples of reproductive age have the problem of infertility, with the male factor being the main cause in 50% of cases. The lack of effective treatment for male infertility is largely due to the multifactorial etiology of this disease. One of these factors is infections of the urogenital tract, the diagnostic search for which requires the development of new methods.

Introduction. Over the past decades, in the era of urbanization, man is faced with a large number of risk factors that become an integral part of his daily life. Thus, high levels of stress, unbalanced nutrition, physical inactivity, irregular sex life leads to an increased risk of developing a number of diseases, including the organs of the genitourinary system. This review is devoted to assessing the role of various drugs and dietary supplements in maintaining urological health.

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic has also greatly impacted people's psychological well-being, increasing stress levels, as well as their lifestyle and well-being. Therefore, to maintain health, men should take multicomponent complexes that have a beneficial effect on various organs and systems (including reproductive), have an antioxidant effect and help normalize basic physiological processes in the body. In particular, such supplements can be used as a preconception preparation of a man for conception in a couple.

Introduction. Combination therapy of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) with the use of α1-adrenoblockers and anticholinergic drugs has become the standard of treatment and is widely used in clinical practice.

Introduction. One of the reasons for the development of urethra stricture in men is Lichen sclerosis, and its role in the development of panurethral narrowing of the urethra comes to the fore. With timely diagnosis and adequate treatment, it is possible to anticipate the development of complications of this disease. At the moment, there are a large number of approaches to the treatment of lichen sclerosis and its complications.

Introduction. The concept of microbiome is a collective term for many microorganisms, such as bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists, and viruses, inhabiting various anatomical areas of the human body.

Introduction. Varicocele is detected in 15% of healthy men, in 35% – with primary and in 80% – with secondary infertility. At the moment, microsurgical varicocelectomy by sub-inguinal access is one of the most effective ways to treat varicocele in adult patients. Currently, there is no comprehensive data on the optimal treatment of varicocele recurrence. According to Russian clinical guidelines, testicular vein thrombosis is an extremely rare cause of varicocele development in the practice of a urologist.