“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
Category: Fertility
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...
Be Careful Relaxing
The case of the month is an actual patient of The Turek Clinic. He had been trying to conceive for the better part of two years with no luck. His wife was healthy, had very regular cycles and had been thoroughly “checked out” early on. He was eating great, maintaining a good weight, and certainly treating his...Continue reading
Cycling Toward Childlessness?
She looks at me earnestly, searching for approval and says: “I’ve made sure that he stopped bicycling as I have read that it’s bad for his fertility, right?” Not so fast. Saddle Sore There is hard data to suggest that bicycling long enough can impair erections, especially if the saddle results in pelvic numbness. But fertility? Not the...Continue reading
Taking Skin Out of the Game
“I think I need to be cut, Doc.” He was 18-years old and his sexuality was flowering. I really couldn’t think of even half a reason to do a circumcision on him. But then he went on: “It’s getting hard to pee, and it hurts to have sex.” Ok, so maybe something really is going on. I...Continue reading
The Oldest Sperm on Earth
Imagine that: 20 million year old sperm! You think you’re good…how’s that for longevity? They may be petrified, but hey, they made it all the way to modern times. The fossilized fighters were found in an ancient cave in Australia and recently reported (read the Los Angeles Times take here) as the oldest ever found on this good earth. And guess what...Continue reading