• The male factor is just as important as the female in the reproductive process
• The semen shows reduced fertilization capacity and deterioration of its quality parameters over the years
• The science of Assisted Reproduction can now provide solutions to semen related problems. The embryology laboratory can select the compatible sperm that will lead to the successful fertilization of the egg and achieve pregnancy, with the appropriate techniques and the use of Artificial Intelligence.
• The men nowadays can, attend to their early diagnosis, prevention and individualized treatment through extended  testing and specialized semen examinations.

Athens, March 23^rd 2022. The 3^rd Scientific Symposium of AssistedReproduction, entitled “Infertility in… men” and organized by the Scientific Company “Conception of Life”, in collaboration with the 2^nd Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with the sponsorship and support of the

In the context of the Scientific Symposium, a specially designed workshop was held at the premises of the Institute of Life - IASO, where young scientists were trained by the Embryologists of the

The Symposium was attended by over 600 distinguished scientists, both from Greece and abroad, having many different specializations, such as Fertility Gynecologists, who have direct contact with the couple, Endocrinologists, Urologists, Geneticists, Andrologists and Biologists, with direct relation to the diagnosis and treatment of semen abnormalities.

Mr. Athanasios Plevris, the Minister of Health; Mrs. Marianna Vardinogiannis, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and the President of the “ORAMA ELPIDAS” association; Ms. Zoe Rapti, the Deputy Minister of Health; Mr. Giorgos Patoulis, Regional Governor and the President of Athens Medical Association; as well as important members of the scientific community, such as Mr. Gerasimos Siasos, Professor and the President of the Medical School; Mr. Alexandros Rodolakis, Professor of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, President of the Hellenic Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Mr. Konstantinos Konstantinidis, Professor of Urology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Director of the 1^st University Urology Clinic, General Hospital of Athens "LAIKO" and Mr. Thanos Askitis, Professor of Mental & Sexual Health, honored the event with their presence.

During the Symposium, the main causes of male infertility and the influence of exogenous factors, such as living and working conditions, diet and exercise, over the fertilizing capacity of sperm were developed. Reports were made about the positive influence of the Mediterranean diet on sperm characteristics, while on the contrary, the working environment of individual professions seems to have an adverse effect on sperm (toxic agents, chemicals, etc.). In addition, the Male factor was associated with implantation failures, miscarriages and fetal development problems.

The latest diagnostic tests, new technologies and treatment approaches were presented and the factors related to sperm function, erectile dysfunction and the ways a man can maintain and protect his fertility were analyzed. The role of in vitro fertilization in the management of male infertility has been developed, offering solutions to semen problems. In addition, the integration of Artificial Intelligence in modern laboratories offers the possibility of analyzing more parameters for the selection of the healthiest sperm, aiming to successfully fertilize the egg and achieve pregnancy.

In the reproductive process, the Male factor is just as important as the female one.

The increased reproductive age of men in recent years negatively affects the fertility rates and therefore the births in our country. Men procreate at an constantly increasing age (a trend similar to female procreation) and the semen shows reduced fertility and deterioration of its quality parameters over the years. At the same time, men have less sexual activity now compared to the past.

A sperm with "good" morphokinetic characteristics does not entail that it possesses all the necessary conditions for the achievement of the fertilization of the egg and for the subsequent smooth development of the pregnancy. It is very important for the modern man to attend to the early diagnosis, prevention and personalized treatment that results from the latest tests and techniques. There are now specialized tests for men, in addition to the standard spermiogram, such as Oxidative stress, DNA fragmentation, etc. which are able to provide useful information on sperm quality. It is also worth noting that poor sperm quality can be an indicator of other conditions which, if diagnosed in time, can be treated. It is necessary to mobilize men for a more complete clinical evaluation by a number of specializations, such as urologists, endocrinologists, geneticists, etc. Through these examinations both the reproductive health and the men’s health in general can be favored. Early semen testing may need to be added to the standard check-up list.

It is very important for men to be sensitized in relation to timely procreation and how lifestyle affects their fertility.

Timely semen cryopreservation is a solution for maintaining Male fertility and can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. It is possible to freeze even individual sperm, originating from men with severe oligoasthenospermia.

At the Institute of life - IASO there is a special Andrology department that covers the full range of advanced semen tests and examinations, through the application of new techniques that deal with semen problems. The latest technologies, the use of Artificial Intelligence, but also the individualized treatments by the most experienced team of physicians and embryologists, guarantee optimal results.