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Category Archives: Male Health and Fertility

Smoking, 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 […]

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Choice 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.      

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New 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 […]

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Men, “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.

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Statin 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 […]

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Having 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 […]

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Sperm 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 […]

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Propecia 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 […]

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Got 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 […]

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Fertility 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 […]

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Beta-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 […]

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Gonorrhea- 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 […]

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Omega 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 […]

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Got 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 […]

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Mobile 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!

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TV 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.   

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Opioid (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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