DNA is the genetic information contained in all cells, including sperm. Intact sperm DNA is necessary for normal egg fertilization (1, 2). Sperm that has DNA with breaks in the strands is abnormal, and is called “DNA fragmentation” This may cause sperm to function poorly and is not measured by the standard semen analysis. There...
Category: Fertility
High-pesticide Produce Causes 49 Percent Lower Sperm Count
Certain fruits and vegetables are known to contain pesticide residue. Farmers spray their crops with pesticide to keep pests from harming their agriculture. When pesticides are applied to crops, it can leave residue on the food which is then sold in grocery stores. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates the amount of pesticide that...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
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
Elevated PSA, Negative Biopsies: What does this mean?
“My PSA is elevated, but I keep having negative biopsies. What does this mean?” This is a common question among many men under the care of a urologist. If you are familiar with prostate cancer, you know that having an elevated or rising PSA (prostate-specific antigen) may mean you have prostate cancer. While there are...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
It’s all about sex. Or not?
Sex is everywhere. We see sex related topics in the media, on our Facebook timelines, spam folders, in politics and various magazines and public sites. So it begs the question – why are people so hesitant to talk about personal sex issues with their doctors or even their partners? According to...
Sperm and Testosterone: A Love-Hate Relationship
He stood there looking at me, as deflated as an old circus balloon. “Doc, I heard that testosterone is important for my fertility, so that’s why I started taking it. I had no idea my sperm count would drop!” It’s Complicated Sure, testosterone is good for you. It’s critical for good overall health and for...Continue reading
A User’s Guide To Azoospermia
You’ve just been given what might be the worst news of your life. After trying unsuccessfully to have a child, you find out that you are sterile, no sperm, nada. “Azoospermic,” they told you. Now what? We have had an overwhelming number of people reach out to us from all over the world seeking help for azoospermia. In response...Continue reading
Reminders for Men and Women during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and as a result, women throughout the United States have a valuable addition to their to-do list. We are urging women to take advantage of this month, and remind the men in their lives to get screened. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, 1 in 6 men are affected...