ObjectiveIdiopathic male infertility is common, yet there is no approved treatment. This study aimed to understand practice patterns towards empirical medical therapy (EMT) for idiopathic male infertility in Australia and New Zealand (NZ).DesignClinical members of the Endocrine Society of Australia, Fertility Society of Australia & NZ, and Urological Society of Australia & NZ were invited to complete a survey. Questions included demographics, EMT practice habits, and thoughts regarding infertility case scenarios. Unadjusted group differences between specialists, those with and without additional training in male infertility, and frequency of managing it were evaluated.ResultsOverall, 147 of 2340 members participated (6.3%); majority were endocrinologists and gynaecologists. Participants were experienced; 35% had completed additional training in male infertility and 36.2% reported they frequently manage male infertility. Gynaecologists were more likely to manage male infertility and attend education courses than endocrinologists and urologists. Beliefs about the effect of EMT on sperm concentration and pregnancy did not differ between speciality types. Many respondents considered all patient scenarios suitable for EMT. Of medications, hCG and clomiphene were selected most. Two respondents indicated they would use testosterone to treat male infertility.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates common use of EMT in Australia and NZ for idiopathic male infertility. The breadth of responses reflects a lack of consensus within the current literature, highlighting the need for further research to clarify their role in the management of idiopathic male infertility.

中文翻译：

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澳大利亚和新西兰对特发性男性不育症的经验性药物治疗的使用

目的特发性男性不育症很常见，但尚无批准的治疗方法。本研究旨在了解澳大利亚和新西兰 (NZ) 特发性男性不育症的经验医学治疗 (EMT) 的实践模式。设计澳大利亚内分泌学会、澳大利亚和新西兰生育学会以及澳大利亚和新西兰泌尿学会的临床成员受邀完成一项调查。问题包括人口统计数据、EMT 实践习惯以及对不孕不育病例情景的想法。评估了专家、接受过或未接受过男性不育症额外培训的专家之间未经调整的群体差异，以及治疗频率。结果总体而言，2340 名成员中有 147 人参与（6.3%）；大多数是内分泌科医生和妇科医生。参与者经验丰富； 35% 的人完成了有关男性不育症的额外培训，36.2% 的人表示他们经常处理男性不育症。与内分泌科医生和泌尿科医生相比，妇科医生更有可能治疗男性不育症并参加教育课程。对于 EMT 对精子浓度和怀孕影响的看法在专业类型之间没有差异。许多受访者认为所有患者情况都适合 EMT。药物中，hCG 和克罗米芬被选择最多。两名受访者表示他们将使用睾酮来治疗男性不育症。结论这项研究表明，澳大利亚和新西兰普遍使用 EMT 来治疗特发性男性不育症。反应的广泛性反映了当前文献中缺乏共识，强调需要进一步研究以阐明其在特发性男性不育症治疗中的作用。