Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
Male factor infertility is currently difficult to diagnose and counseling patients can be challenging. After years of research into endocrine control of spermatogenesis, researchers are now investigating the genes required for male fertility. In this Viewpoint the authors discuss the major advances in the ability to diagnose genetic defects in infertile males.
It is standard procedure to place patients diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux on prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the risk of developing urinary tract infections and renal scarring. In this Viewpoint the authors discuss the problems associated with this practice, such as poor compliance and growing resistance to antibiotics, and possible alternative treatment options for these patients.
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic disease of unknown origin, for which definitive diagnostic criteria remain undecided. Various epidemiological characteristics of interstitial cystitis suggest an autoimmune nature to this disorder, and clinical associations have been made with generalized autoimmune diseases, among other disease. This Review discusses these autoimmune associations and various possible causal mechanisms.
The frequency of testicular microlithiasis detection has increased as imaging technologies have advanced. Associations have been made between this and various other testicular disorders, including cancer, but the causative nature of the relationship is unclear. This Review assesses the evidence for associations with testicular tumors, infertility and other benign scrotal pathologies, and how to manage patients.
Developments in medical imaging have driven advances in minimally invasive surgery, and image-guidance is now an integral part of many urological procedures. This Review discusses developments in imaging technologies such as fluoroscopic imaging, molecular imaging, image fusion and four-dimensional ultrasonography, and their applications in urological practice.
There is much debate about which biopsy strategy is best to use in patients with suspected prostate cancer. In this Review the different biopsy templates are discussed in relation to their use for an initial prostate biopsy in men identified by PSA screening or an abnormal digital rectal examination and repeat biopsies.
This Case Study describes a 32-year-old pregnant woman who presented with severe pain and a left-sided giant hydronephrosis. Renal ultrasonography, intravenous urography and MAG-3 renography confirmed pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction, so a left retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy was performed. The authors discuss the risks associated with surgical treatment of the pregnant patient.
