There I go again, a Western guy giving a lecture to an Eastern crowd. What team do I play on, you ask? In fact, I am honored to give a keynote at the First Integrative Fertility Symposium in Vancouver. Ok, call me a “swingman,” but the Easterners have a lot up their medical sleeves too....Continue reading
Tag: Male Infertility
40 Years of Male Infertility: Progress Beyond Belief
The case of the month is an actual patient of The Turek Clinic. Distinguished appearing, he had a concerned look as he sat down across from me. “Years ago, I tried to bank sperm in college, but I was told that there was none,” he said. The story went on. With more than one partner, he...Continue reading
Sperm Archaeology
“I heard that that you can get sperm from a rock,” said the patient. Eyebrows raised, I responded: “Actually, I’ve never tried.” But his statement did get me thinking: I am a sperm archaeologist of sorts. Sands of Time Growing up, who hasn’t thought about being archeologist at some point? Sifting through sand in exotic...Continue reading
Nutritional Recommendations For Male Infertility Patients
It is estimated that one in eight couples have difficulty with conception. Of those who have difficulty, approximately 50% of the time, there is an issue with the male partner (i.e., male factor). Fortunately, it is relatively easy to assess whether there is a male factor present or not by having the male collect a...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
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
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
Men Are (Really Quite) Complicated
He stared back at me, his face blank. He didn’t like my answer. We had examined the known genetic causes of azoospermia and had come up dry. “I really don’t know why you’re azoospermic, but I’d say it’s still very likely to be genetic, but currently undefined.” Not much to work with, but it’s where we are at...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