Clinical Andrology

McLachlan group

Male factors are involved in a third half of all infertile couples. Our Clinical Andrology investigators undertake translational research to understand the factors regulating sperm production and why it can fail. Their focus is on the diagnosis and management of male infertility including the genetic causes which are rapidly emerging. In the future, this work will lead to better patient counselling, the informed use of IVF treatments and even new treatment options to restore natural fertility. We are also conducting studies on endocrine strategies to stimulate spermatogenesis in unexplained [ idiopathic] infertility.

Professor Rob McLachlan, Dr Sarah Catford from Hudson Institute discover that fertility unaffected in men born from ICSI.

L-R: Professor Rob McLachlan, Dr Sarah Catford

Overview

The Clinical Androlgoy group, led by Professor Rob McLachlan, undertakes male reproductive health translational research to understand the factors regulating sperm production and why it can fail. Their focus is on the diagnosis and management of male infertility including the genetic causes. New genetic causes of infertility are rapidly emerging, and given that half of male infertility remains unexplained, this approach has the potential to re-define the field of male reproductive health.

Dr Sarah Catford also studies the health of offspring conceived by severely infertile men using Assisted Reproductive Treatment (ART), and in a recent initiative is pursuing endocrine strategies to stimulate spermatogenesis in idiopathic infertility (where the underlying cause is not known).

Professor Mclachlan is also the Medical Director for Healthy Male’s and its professional and community education initiatives.

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Diseases we research

Clinical Andrology Group areas of focus

  • Genetic causes of male infertility: new knowledge leading to specific treatment or optimal use of ART procedures
  • Medical management of idiopathic male infertility
  • The health of the ART-conceived offspring of severely infertile men

Research Group Head | Professor Robert McLachlan AM

Male fertility issues are responsible for half of all cases of infertility and assisted reproductive treatment (ART). However, the underlying cause is usually not known. I investigate the origin and development of male infertility with the goal of identifying targeted treatments to alleviate the huge personal and societal burden.
Professor Robert McLachlan AM, from the Clinical Andrology Research Group at Hudson Institute

Collaborators

Publication highlights

Our research group is keen to discuss funding opportunities

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