According to a new study at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, men who have had testicular cancer may have an increased risk for prostate cancer. While there have been previous studies that have shown an increased risk of prostate cancer in men who have previously had testicular cancer, this is the first one...Continue reading
Category: Testicular
Factors For a Good Prognosis In Patients Undergoing Vasectomy Reversal
So what are the factors we can influence in order to get the best results for patients undergoing a vasectomy reversal? There are actually two different surgeries for vasectomy reversal: vasovasostomy (vas to vas) and epididymovasostomy (vas to the epididymis). The surgical approach any patient needs can only be determined at the time of surgery. Selecting...Continue reading
The Genetics of Headless Sperm
You know to not judge a book by its cover. The best read might be wrapped in the crappiest jacket. And so it goes with sperm. Abnormalities of sperm shape don’t necessarily make them “bad” sperm. Hey, the ugly duckling could easily be the beautiful swan. It’s in the Details The study of sperm shape,...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
What men need to know about testicular cancer
Did you know that every twenty-four hours, one man dies of testicular cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, it is one of the leading cancers in men between the ages of 15 and 35. The average age of diagnosis is 33 years old. Cancer is often thought of as an older person’s disease. However,...
Fatherhood with Klinefelters
What’s the most common definable cause of azoospermia among infertile men? Here’s a hint: it’s also pretty common in general, occurring in 1/500 male births. Answer: Klinefelter syndrome. Men who have it possess an extra X chromosome in every cell in their bodies. It’s inherited, and about equally so from mothers and fathers. The fact is that most men don’t know about...Continue reading
The Truth About Vasectomy and Pain
I give a Certificate of Honor to specially recognize every patient on whom I perform a vasectomy. It’s really quite nice and very frameable. “Why?” You ask. Well, it’s not that a no scalpel vasectomy is the most gruesome thing that a man could experience in his life. It’s just that, in the real world of fish stories and Internet tales,...Continue reading
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
Groin Pain and Swelling in Men: What Could it Mean?
Groin pain and swelling could be a red flag for men and potentially indicate many different conditions. It is important to know what these conditions are since they can range from kidney stones to cancers, and to be able to identify when something is wrong. Not only can this be worrisome to any man experiencing...Continue reading
Playing the Genetic Cards You’re Dealt
The case of the month is an actual patient of The Turek Clinic. It’s unbelievable how your genes, those tiny little chunks of DNA that make you who you are, can be sources of both delight and despair in life. Azoospermic Angst My lovely patient was trying to conceive for several years. Upon evaluation, he was found to be...Continue reading