Medically reviewed by Dr. Griffin M, MBBS, MS (General Surgery), MCh (Urology). Specialist in Urology, Andrology & Kidney Transplant Surgery | Last reviewed: August 2026
Talking about sexual health isn’t easy for most men. Many put off seeing a doctor for months, sometimes years, hoping a problem will simply go away on its own. If you’ve been searching for an andrologist in Chennai, you’ve already taken the harder step: deciding to get help. The rest is far simpler than most people expect.
This guide walks you through what andrology actually covers, the conditions these specialists treat, what causes them, how andrologists differ from urologists, what a consultation actually looks like, and how to choose the right specialist for your situation.
What is an Andrologist?
- An andrologist is a doctor who specialises in male reproductive health and related conditions. Think of andrology as the male counterpart to gynaecology: a field entirely dedicated to how the male body works, what can go wrong, and how to fix it.
- Most andrologists come from a background in urology, endocrinology, or general surgery, with additional training focused specifically on male fertility, hormonal balance, and sexual function. In a city like Chennai, where quality healthcare is easy to access but conversations around men’s sexual health are still fairly hushed, having a dedicated specialist makes a real difference. It gives men a focused point of contact instead of bouncing between general physicians who may not probe deeply into these concerns.
- Andrology as a field has grown significantly over the last two decades, partly because of better awareness and partly because lifestyle-related conditions like stress-induced erectile dysfunction and declining sperm counts have become more common. What used to be treated as a taboo subject is increasingly seen as just another area of preventive and corrective healthcare.
Conditions Treated by an Andrologist
Andrologists handle a wide range of concerns, some common and some rarely discussed. Here are the areas they typically manage:
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection is one of the most common reasons men consult an andrologist. It can stem from stress, blood flow issues, hormonal imbalance, or underlying conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. An andrologist will look for the root cause rather than just prescribing a quick fix, since ED is often an early warning sign of a broader cardiovascular issue.
- Male infertility If you and your partner have been trying to conceive without success, an andrologist can run tests such as a semen analysis to check sperm count, motility, and morphology, then recommend a treatment path. In some cases, infertility is linked to a varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), a hormonal deficiency, or a blockage that can be corrected with a minor procedure.
- Low testosterone and hormonal imbalance Fatigue, low libido, mood changes, and reduced muscle mass can all trace back to hormonal shifts. An andrologist checks hormone levels through blood work and suggests lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, or further evaluation where needed. Low testosterone is frequently under-diagnosed because its symptoms overlap with everyday tiredness or stress.
- Peyronie’s disease This condition causes scar tissue to build up inside the penis, leading to curvature and, often, discomfort during erections. It’s more common than people assume and is very treatable when caught early, ranging from medication to minimally invasive procedures depending on severity.
- Premature ejaculation and other performance concerns These issues are frequently tied to anxiety, sensitivity, or underlying health factors, and andrologists offer both medical and behavioural approaches to manage them, including counselling-based techniques alongside medication when appropriate.
- Hydrocele, phimosis, and varicocele These are structural conditions involving fluid build-up, tight foreskin, or swollen veins respectively. Most are straightforward to diagnose and, depending on the case, may be managed with observation, medication, or a simple day-care procedure.
- Testicular pain, swelling, or lumps Any unusual lump, swelling, or persistent pain in the testicles should be checked promptly. While many causes are benign, ruling out anything serious, including testicular cancer, is always the priority.
What Causes These Conditions in the First Place?
It helps to understand why these issues develop, since many of them share overlapping causes:
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a sedentary routine, and poor diet all affect blood flow and hormone levels over time.
- Chronic stress: persistent work pressure or anxiety disrupts hormonal balance and is one of the most common contributors to erectile difficulty in younger men.
- Underlying medical conditions: diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension are closely linked to both erectile dysfunction and fertility issues.
- Age-related decline: testosterone naturally reduces with age, though the rate and impact vary widely from person to person.
- Environmental and occupational exposure: prolonged heat exposure, certain medications, and some occupational hazards can affect sperm quality.
Recognising these patterns is useful because many of them are modifiable. An andrologist doesn’t just treat the symptom in isolation; a good consultation usually looks at the whole picture.
Andrologist vs Urologist: What’s the Difference?
This question comes up a lot, and it’s a fair one since the two fields overlap.
- A urologist treats the urinary tract in both men and women, along with the male reproductive system. Their scope is broader and includes kidney stones, bladder issues, urinary infections, and prostate conditions.
- An andrologist focuses specifically on male reproductive and sexual health: fertility, hormonal function, and conditions that affect sexual performance. Many andrologists are urologists who’ve pursued extra specialisation in this area, which is why you’ll often see the same doctor listed under both categories.
In short: if your concern is specifically about fertility, sexual function, or male hormonal health, an andrologist is usually the more targeted choice. If it’s a general urinary issue, a urologist is the right starting point.
When Should You See an Andrologist?
There’s no need to wait for a problem to become severe. Consider booking a consultation if you notice:
- Ongoing difficulty with erections or a drop in sexual desire
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicles
- Difficulty conceiving after several months of trying
- Noticeable changes in energy, mood, or muscle strength that might be hormone-related
- Curvature or pain during an erection
- Recurring premature ejaculation that’s affecting your confidence or relationship
- Any persistent discomfort in the genital area that doesn’t have an obvious cause
Early consultation almost always leads to simpler treatment. Many conditions that seem alarming at first turn out to be very manageable once properly diagnosed, whereas delaying care can occasionally allow a minor issue to become more complicated.
What to Expect During Your Consultation
A first visit typically starts with a conversation about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This might feel a little uncomfortable at first, but a good andrologist will keep the discussion straightforward and non-judgmental: there’s nothing they haven’t heard before, and the entire point of the conversation is to help, not to embarrass you.
Depending on your symptoms, they may recommend:
- Blood tests to check hormone and testosterone levels
- A semen analysis for fertility concerns
- An ultrasound to examine the testicles or blood flow to the pelvic region
- A physical examination to assess any visible conditions
From there, you’ll get a clear treatment plan, whether that’s medication, lifestyle adjustments, minor procedures, or a referral for further evaluation. Most andrologists will also explain what to expect over the following weeks, so you’re not left guessing about timelines or next steps.
Treatment Approaches Andrologists Commonly Use
- There’s no single formula here: treatment really depends on what’s causing the problem in the first place. That said, most plans end up falling into one of a few buckets.
- Medication is usually where things start, especially for erectile dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or an infection that’s driving the symptoms. The exact drug and dosage aren’t one-size-fits-all; a good andrologist adjusts it based on what’s actually going wrong for you, not a generic template.
- Then there’s the stuff that doesn’t come in a prescription bottle. Diet, exercise, sleep, and how you’re handling stress matter far more than most people give them credit for. In milder cases, these changes alone can make a noticeable difference within a few weeks or months, sometimes without needing much else.
- Some conditions are more structural in nature (a varicocele or hydrocele, for instance), and these are often sorted out with a quick day-care procedure rather than months of medication. Couples dealing with infertility have their own path too, which might mean hormone therapy, treating an underlying issue, or working alongside a fertility specialist if assisted reproduction becomes necessary.
- And for hormonal conditions especially, treatment isn’t always a one-time fix. It’s more of an ongoing relationship: periodic blood work, a few follow-ups, small adjustments along the way.
A Few Myths Worth Clearing Up
- There’s a lot of misinformation floating around when it comes to men’s health, and some of it stops people from getting help sooner than they should.
- One common one: only older men need to worry about this stuff. Not true. Fertility trouble, hormonal dips, and stress-driven erectile dysfunction show up in men well into their twenties and thirties too.
- Another: erectile dysfunction is “all in your head.” Stress and anxiety definitely play a part, but a lot of the time there’s a physical cause underneath it, like restricted blood flow or a hormone issue. That’s exactly why getting it properly checked matters instead of just assuming.
- Some men also worry that booking a consultation automatically means something is seriously wrong. In reality, most visits are for fairly ordinary, manageable concerns. Seeing someone early is more of a precaution than a red flag.
- And then there’s the idea that these topics simply can’t be discussed comfortably with a doctor. They can. Andrologists have these conversations all day, every day: what feels awkward to bring up is routine on their end.
What to Look for When Choosing an Andrologist in Chennai
- A little bit of homework before you book goes a long way.
- Check the qualifications first: an MCh in Urology or a certification in andrology and sexual medicine is a good sign. Beyond that, try to match the doctor to your specific concern; some lean more toward fertility work, others focus on sexual dysfunction or hormonal health, and picking someone whose focus lines up with yours tends to make the whole process smoother.
- Comfort matters just as much as credentials. You should never feel rushed or hesitant to ask something: a good doctor will actually make space for those questions rather than brush past them. And given how personal these conversations can be, it’s worth knowing that an online consultation is now a completely normal option too, letting you talk things through privately from home before deciding on anything further.
Why More Men Are Choosing Online Consultations
- It’s not hard to see why this format has caught on. For a topic many men still hesitate to bring up face-to-face, being able to talk to a qualified andrologist from your own living room removes a good chunk of the awkwardness. No waiting rooms, no risk of running into someone you know.
- There’s a practical side to it too: you’re not stuck waiting weeks for an appointment slot, and following up on a report or asking one quick question doesn’t mean booking an entirely fresh visit. For a lot of first-timers, this is simply an easier way to take that first step.
Meet Dr. Griffin M: Experienced Andrology Specialist
If you’d rather start with a specific name than a search list, Dr. Griffin M is one worth knowing.
- Experience: Over 16 years practising as a urologist and andrologist in Chennai.
- Education: MBBS from Thanjavur Medical College, followed by an MS in General Surgery at St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore, where he topped his batch. He later took the top rank in the Tamil Nadu state entrance exam on his way to an MCh in Urology at Madras Medical College.
- Academic role: Currently Assistant Professor in the Department of Urology at Saveetha Medical College, Thandalam, having previously taught at Meenakshi Medical College.
- Clinical focus: Kidney and bladder stones, prostate conditions, and male infertility, alongside advanced procedures like TURBT and nephrectomy.
- Practice locations: Sees patients at Apollo Spectra (MRC Nagar), V.S. Hospitals (Kilpauk), and Dr. Rex’s Hospital (Kilpauk), in addition to his own clinic in Egmore.
- Recognition: Regularly presents at national conferences and has built a name for explaining tricky urological topics in plain, patient-friendly terms.
If strong academic credentials and genuine surgical experience matter to you, he may be worth considering. More information about his practice and appointments is available online.
Final Thoughts
Men’s sexual and reproductive health deserves just as much attention as any other part of their wellbeing, yet it’s usually the last thing anyone gets around to addressing. Whatever’s on your mind—fertility, performance, hormonal changes, or something you haven’t quite figured out how to describe yet—a specialist can offer a private, judgment-free space to get some answers. And more often than not, starting that conversation sooner makes the solution a lot simpler than expected.
Read More: சிறுநீரக கல் ஏற்படுவதற்கான காரணங்கள்
