By Dr. Christopher Kilmartin Scene one: an 8 year old child comes home from school and says, “The other kids are picking on me.” The parent responds with, “I’m so sorry, honey. Does it make you feel sad?” Scene two: another 8 year old child comes home from school and says, “The other kids are picking...Continue reading
Category: Parenting
Men: Becoming the New Women?
We use a lot of sex stereotypes in our everyday speech, most of the time without realizing it. Sometimes even the most gender-neutral phrases carry a strong stereotyped message. In most cases, the words are harmless, but other times they’re dangerous. Take, for example, the word “behave” as it’s often used in schools. For decades,...Continue reading
Lab Grown Sperm: Fact or Fiction?
Did it really happen? Did a company in Lyon, France actually make human sperm in a dish, as touted in a press release? Or will our hopes be dashed as before? Your guess is as good as mine. A Symphony of Biology Compare spermatogenesis to a symphony score, but a masterful one, like a work...Continue reading
Don’t Get Older If You Can Help It
It’s called “mutational load.” Doesn’t sound all that pleasant does it? And, it’s ascribed mainly to men. Now, in addition to mid-life crises and retirement, it’s something new to think about as you age. Boning up for my keynote speech on “The Reproductive Genetics of the Aging Male” for the American Society of Andrology this weekend,...Continue reading
Tuberous Sclerosis: A Father’s Journey
As the father of a healthy, exuberant 3-year old, Mike Levinstein was looking forward to the birth of his second child. The arrival of Eitan meant a brother for older sibling Jonah, and Mike and his wife Leah settled into the routine of raising their two boys. All children develop differently, so it wasn’t until...Continue reading
IVF and Sperm: When They Need Each Other
I just finished his sperm retrieval and told him the good news: “If sperm were money, you’d be retired. You have enough sperm for many IVF cycles.” He smiled and then it fell away in thought. After a pause, he said: “If I have so much sperm, why can’t we do something simple and use...Continue reading
Sam’s Club Helps Busy Parents Keep Their Health Resolutions
According to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Scranton, only 8% of Americans are actually able to keep their New Year’s resolutions.* This can be particularly challenging for busy parents, many of whom make resolutions that are focused on improving their health. In an effort to help families keep their health-related...Continue reading
Meaningful Moments from 2014
What a year! 2014 was certainly one of exploration and adventure and I am not just talking about the stock market, the Affordable Care Act or oil prices. In the realm of men’s health, here are some personal highlights: Testosterone comes under attack. The “elixir of life” for men became tainted with FDA warnings of associations with heart...Continue reading
Build it Once, Build it Right
I just got the photo of the newest little one. And the warm thank you note along with it. Makes me feel that just maybe, my work on this good earth makes a difference. What’s special about this birth announcement is that it is the third baby after the vasectomy reversal. Now that’s value! And...Continue reading
Workaholic – A Life Alone
I wake up most days alone. Not because I am single. I am in fact married. And not because I sleep in another room. I wake up alone because my workaholic husband has gone to work long before the sun is up. When he gets home, he says hello to the refrigerator before he...Continue reading