6 March 2025– Professor Suks Minhas, a consultant urologist and head of the urology specialty at the Trust, as well as the director of the European Academy of Andrology at Imperial College London, shares his expert perspective on male reproductive health and the transformation of the field over the years.
Why Urology and Andrology?
Urology is a dynamic surgical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating disorders of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, and male reproductive organs. Professor Minhas’s passion for the field began during his medical training when urology transitioned from a sub-specialty within general surgery to an independent discipline. He was drawn to its blend of evidence-based practices, technical precision, and patient-centered care.
“My passion was ignited as a senior house officer, where I became fascinated by both open surgery and minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, and the unique challenge they present,” says Minhas.
His interest in andrology, particularly men’s health, grew during his research in the pharmacology of smooth muscle, a relatively underdeveloped but critically important area of study. This early exposure to the field highlighted the pressing need for research, education, and better patient care—needs that continue to drive his work today.
Expertise and Areas of Focus
Professor Minhas specializes in disorders of the male genital system, including penile cancer, testicular cancer, penile reconstruction, and penile prosthetics. Over the past two decades, he has also developed a strong focus on male infertility, leading cutting-edge research at Imperial College London.
“I am deeply committed to advancing evidence-based guidelines, education, and training to standardize care for all patients,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and training the next generation of surgeons.
A personal passion of his involves addressing health inequalities, particularly the barriers faced by ethnic minority groups in accessing healthcare. “Growing up in a deprived immigrant community in South East London, I witnessed first-hand the challenges faced by these communities, including stigma around men’s health and lack of information,” he adds. “This motivates me to advocate for inclusivity and equitable healthcare access.”
The Evolution of Male Reproductive Health
The field of male reproductive health has evolved significantly over the last two decades. Traditionally, male fertility issues were neglected, with men often referred for IVF treatments without appropriate diagnosis. However, advancements in understanding the environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors influencing male fertility have reshaped this approach.
“Male infertility is now recognized as linked to broader health risks, such as cardiovascular disease,” says Minhas. “This makes early diagnosis and intervention crucial.”
There are also now many correctable causes for male infertility, with surgical techniques allowing men to achieve fatherhood who might not have been able to in the past. At Imperial College, Professor Minhas’s team has been at the forefront of developing innovative techniques and diagnostics, particularly in the role of sperm DNA fragmentation and novel imaging methods to assess sperm production.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility can arise from various conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, genetic abnormalities, and physical issues like varicoceles or testicular cancer. Some of the most common causes Minhas sees include men with no sperm, low testosterone, and varicoceles. While many of these issues can be optimized, there are also instances where couples may still face difficulty even with assisted reproductive treatments like IVF.
Career Highlights
Professor Minhas has received several prestigious accolades, including the British Association of Urological Surgeons Golden Telescope award and the St Peter’s Medal. However, his greatest personal achievement was becoming a doctor, especially as a first-generation immigrant who overcame numerous challenges.
“Neither of my parents could speak English, so my acceptance into medical school was a monumental achievement for me and my family,” he reflects.
Staying Current with Research
Despite his demanding schedule, Professor Minhas remains dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest research and advancements. He regularly attends national and international conferences and contributes to the development of clinical guidelines, ensuring he remains at the forefront of urological practice.
Technology’s Role in Advancing Treatments
One of the most exciting innovations in the field of male reproductive health is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Professor Minhas believes AI has the potential to revolutionize diagnostics and improve treatment outcomes for conditions like erectile dysfunction, testicular cancer, and Peyronie’s disease. He is particularly optimistic about its transformative impact on male fertility treatments, such as IVF.
“The potential of AI to change the landscape of diagnosis and treatment is immense,” he says. “AI could significantly improve the accuracy of diagnostics and, ultimately, the success of male fertility treatments.”
As the field continues to evolve, the work of experts like Professor Suks Minhas is instrumental in advancing both the understanding and treatment of male reproductive health.
Related topics:
City International Hospital Opens IVF Centre in Ho Chi Minh City
Marty Sheargold Fired Over Controversial Comments on Women’s Health and Sports
Sutter Health Announces Accreditation for Two New OB/Gyn Residency Programs
