Chronic Pain Management for Men
Pain Management for Men By Mel Insh There are many conditions that can result in chronic pain in men, including chronic pelvic pain, cancer-related pain, osteoarthritis, migraines and back pain. After a complete workup to determine causes of pain, treatment becomes the focus. Treatment is vital in all cases, since pain interferes greatly with one’s quality […]
Read MoreSmoking, Nicotine Affect Heart Rate and Erection, Erectile Dysfunction
It is known that ED risk increases with cigarette smoking and this may result from bad effects on penile bloodflow which may occur with changes in heart rate variability (HRV). Low heart rate variability (HRV), associated with nicotine intake (chronic smoking or nicotine gum) may lead to ED, and in some cases increased risk of […]
Read MoreVasectomy and Prostate Cancer Risk
A recent study from the Journal of Clinical Oncology is summarized in the NYTimes regarding the possible increased risk of higher-risk prostate cancer following vasectomy. Certainly more studies are needed to verify and confirm why this would be the case, but something to be considered.
Read MoreLow Hanging Testicles and Scrotum?
Abnormally low-hanging testicles may be caused by varicocele. For background information on varicocele and its treatment, visit the Center for Male Health and Reproduction. You may be surprised to learn that varicoceles may affect your fertility and testosterone level. Varicocelectomy (surgery) may be able to prevent these side effects. See an entertaining and informative article from Esquire magazine. […]
Read More#Circumcision – possible protective benefit against #prostatecancer
A recent article from Canadian researchers shows that circumcision may provide a protective benefit against prostate cancer development among those circumcised at age 36 years or older as well as among black men. Overall, circumcised men had a non-significant 11% decreased risk of prostate cancer. Among black men, (who have the highest rates of […]
Read MoreChoice of lubricant is important for #menshealth and #fertility
See this excellent summary of things to know about lubricants for sexual intercourse from EverydayHealth.com. Look at the ingredients of your lubricant and consider their advice to enhance sexual health and fertility.
Read MoreFor men with abnormally shaped sperm, IVF may not be needed #AUA14 #infertility
Update from AUA 2014, Orlando Florida: Overall, the American Urological Association Annual Meeting had a number of interesting male infertility/men’s health abstracts. One that stood out provides hope for men with abnormally shaped sperm. These couples may be able to avoid IVF and instead be successful with natural conception or with intrauterine insemination. As always, […]
Read MoreLowering Cholesterol Can Improve Erectile Function
A recent study of 11 other randomized controlled research studies indicates that statin medication (such as atorvastatin) prescribed for older men to lower cholesterol and decrease the chance of having a heart attack and stroke, also improves a man’s erectile function. See the recent research article in Journal of Sexual Medicine, March 2014.
Read MoreNew research explains men: the importance of the Y chromosome.
Two recent studies in April 2014 in the journal Nature (from Washington University/MIT and the from Switzerland) summarized in this NY Times editorial, highlight the importance of the Y chromosome not only in sperm production and gender determination for men. The groups sequenced and compared the Y chromosome in 8 types of mammals including humans (which […]
Read MoreMen, “It Takes Two”: The importance of partner support when trying to have a baby.
A great editorial from the Good Men Project of the important role that the man plays in having a child even though he does not have the same physical demands as his wife. It takes patience and support. Take a read, it will give you a different perspective on some very common issues.
Read MoreStatin cholesterol medication may improve erection.
A recent meta-analysis of 11 randomized trials in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in March 2014 from researchers in New Jersey noted that erectile function was improved in men taking statin medications for cholesterol. Erectile function was measured by the IIEF questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function), and erection was improved in men taking statin medications for cholesterol, and the […]
Read MoreHaving groin hernia repair? Men, think about your fertility.
Background: Hernia repair (also called herniorrhaphy) for groin (inguinal) hernia is a common procedure performed by general surgeons with roughly 750,000 performed yearly in the US. The majority of routine groin hernia operations use synthetic (knitted polypropylene) mesh to patch the opening in the groin that allows the hernia to occur since there are low infection […]
Read MoreSperm changes from diet, environment–> passed to children?
A recent summary of sperm changes that can be passed to children titled “The Sins of the Father” in the March 2014 journal Nature, did a great job of explaining how being overweight, having diabetes, or being exposed to smoking, pesticides, and stressful experiences for a male may affect his sperm and its genetic code […]
Read MorePropecia for hair growth may affect a man’s fertility
Propecia (low-dose finasteride, 1 mg) is a hair-loss treatment for many men (estimated 4 million) of reproductive age, and higher dose (5 mg) finasteride is already known to reduce multiple semen parameters (count, movement, semen volume). These semen changes could be related to an effect on intratesticular hormonal milieu, sperm DNA integrity, or epididymal function. For men […]
Read MoreGot Tomatoes? May Lower Your Prostate Cancer Risk
Anti-oxidants such as pomegranate are often in the news for possible health benefits. Lycopene is another anti-oxidant known as a carotenoid, which is most often found in tomatoes and tomato-based products. Some older studies have identified decreased risks of various types of cancer (prostate, lung, stomach) with increased lycopene intake, while others did not show […]
Read MoreHPV- Can Be Acquired Without Sexual Activity in Young Males
High-risk human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main risk factor for development of penile and cervical cancer. The foreskin is a reservoir for HPV, and most men, even after infection, remain without symptoms. High-risk HPV (HPV16 for example) may also be transmitted to the cervix of a partner. A significant number of boys who are […]
Read MoreFertility Preservation For Males Before Cancer Treatment
Adolescent males and men requiring treatment for cancer such as chemotherapy or radiation be sure to learn about their options for fertility preservation before treatment. ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) has patient handouts and guidelines for healthcare providers regarding fertility preservation (cryopreservation of sperm). ASRM (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) has also written guidelines for sperm […]
Read MoreBeta-carotene, Lycopene, Lutein: Good for Men’s Fertility
–Matthew Wosnitzer, M.D. Antioxidants in a man’s diet are thought to prevent damage to sperm in semen. Antioxidant use has been found to improve a sperm movement (motility) and shape (morphology) which are important for a man’s fertility. A review of multiple studies showed a significant increase in pregnancy rates and live birth rates with […]
Read MoreMen- Add a little bit…of folate to your diet for fertility sake
For men trying to have children, it is likely best to ensure that you are taking the recommended daily folate in your diet. A recent study from McGill University in Canada shows that in mice (this is the first time this is shown in any animal or human), decreased folate diet in males leads to […]
Read MoreMen- Think twice about plastics when trying to have children
A recent study from NIH presented at American Society of Reproductive Meeting in Boston 10/14 further emphasizes effects that environmental chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) can have on couples. BPA, which can disrupt the body’s natural hormones by mimicking estradiol, is found in certain plastics (bottles) and epoxy resins (lining of metal cans). Concentrations […]
Read MoreSaunas- Too Hot for the Testicles to Handle?
It’s well known that high testicular temperatures have a bad effect on the testicles and their sperm production (just like varicoceles and undescended testes). Saunas have been suggested to harm sperm production called spermatogenesis. In a recent study from Italy of healthy men, reversible decreased sperm production and changed sperm DNA packaging occurred with use […]
Read MoreGonorrhea- Resistant Pest Becoming More Widespread
According to information from the Center for Disease Control in United States, the sexually-transmitted infection gonorrhea (affecting men and women) is among the drug-resistant infections which is an urgent threat and could become more widespread. Key points: 1) Protected sexual intercourse is critical to minimize infection with gonorrhea when partner status unknown. 2) When you […]
Read MoreWar Veterans as Patients: The Importance of Mental and Sexual Health!
For all war veterans, it is important to realize that mental and sexual function can be impacted by their courageous work. A recent study from University of California, San Francisco discusses the importance of asking war veterans about sexual health in addition to mental health. Patients tend to underreport sexual dysfunction (sex drive, erection, and […]
Read MoreOmega 3- Friend or Foe?
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish (such as mackerel, trout, and salmon) or from fish oil supplements have been previously described to decrease heart disease and cancer risk. A recent study from multiple centers in the US, however, showed that men with the most intake of omega-3 fatty acids had a 43% increased risk of prostate cancer […]
Read MoreIt’s my DNA!
A very significant ruling today from the US Supreme Court stating that human genes cannot be patented. This is a very important decision for the future of scientific innovation in diseases affecting all of men’s health including obesity, diabetes, male infertility, erectile dysfunction.
Read MoreGot Milk? An Effect on Male Fertility?
Between 60-80% of dietary estrogens come from dairy products in the Western world. Estrogens are most commonly considered the “female” hormone, but estrogens are important in lower amounts in men. However, too much estrogen in a man (such as in obesity) can have negative effects on men’s health including male fertility. A recent study from May […]
Read MoreLosing Hair? Think About Your Heart.
Male-pattern balding affects up to 40% of adult men and leads to hair thinning and hair loss. In addition to the change in appearance, baldness may be a marker for your heart’s condition. A recent analysis of nearly 37,000 men (from studies in the United States and Europe) identified that balding men were more likely […]
Read MoreHeadaches Improved by Sex?
A recent study from Germany describes that up to 60% of patients found sex to be therapeutic for migraine or cluster headaches (extremely intense headaches usually located on one side of the head). Of course, this study only surveyed patients, so more precise studies will be needed to confirm this in the future. Consider citing this […]
Read MoreMobile Devices and Their Effects on Male Fertility
Mobile devices, including laptops and tablets, may cause trouble for men planning to have children. This article from The Daily (iPad newspaper) provides valuable information about possible risks of electronic devices for men interested in fertility. Something to think about the next time you can feel the warmth on your legs from your laptop computer!
Read MoreTV Viewing, Exercise May Significantly Affect Sperm Count
Study from Harvard School of Public Health demonstrating that decreased activity and increased TV use (in 18 to 22 year old healthy men) were significantly associated with decreased sperm count.
Read MoreOpioid (Pain) Medication May Decrease Testosterone
Many patients and healthcare professionals alike do not recognize that chronic opioid (pain) medication use can lead to decreased testosterone in men. Learn more about this topic by joining the discussion!
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