Akash Kapadia, MD Home
While benign is in the name, it sure doesn’t feel like it to patients suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). At first, many patients think they may have prostate cancer. They are relieved to learn that most cases of symptomatic lower urinary tract symptoms are not caused by a malignancy but rather this ubiquitous normal part of the aging process.
One of the most concerning issues that male patients discuss with their friends or physicians is hair loss. For many, hair is a sign of virility, and despite the inevitability of male pattern, baldness, which ultimately comes down to genetics, we still fight for that hair tooth and nail.
You probably heard it at some point in your life – stay away from those “tighty whiteys.” It may seem like a trivial piece of advice that was never fully explained to you as a child or young adult. However, it is a warning rooted in excellent science and can make a difference in a man’s fertility.
In the early days of radical prostatectomy, the anatomy of the prostate remained poorly understood. Erectile dysfunction occurred in all men who underwent a prostatectomy in those times. However, with an improved anatomic description of the prostate several decades ago, we began understanding the erectile nerves that envelop the prostate gland.
The prospect of erectile dysfunction, or not being able to perform sexually, either due to the inability to achieve an erection or maintain that erection throughout intercourse, strikes fear into the hearts of young and older men alike. And while ED may seem like a concern that would only affect those of advanced age,
Patients often worry about the possibility of prostate cancer when they experience lower urinary tract symptoms, like urinary frequency, urge to urinate, or an inability to fully empty the bladder. These concerns are legitimate, but many patients’ minds go directly to the worst-case scenario they can think of – cancer.
Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, was discovered in 1970, and a purified form that could be used for diagnostics was developed in the 1980s. PSA measurement started as a way to track the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment but, in the early 1990s,
Couples looking to conceive are often hypersensitive about their fertility. Many couples do not realize how long it can take to conceive – the general guidance for seeking fertility assistance is after about one year of trying. We’ve also learned much more about the causes of infertility over the past few decades,
Disclaimer: We want to address Tongkat Ali due to its recent and sudden rise in popularity, however, it is important to note that these studies are poorly designed and lack high-quality data. We can’t be sure of the benefits of Tongkat Ali until they are shown in well-designed clinical trials.
In the spirit of bringing you the latest research that affects male fertility, a Danish study¹ was recently published about the effects of forever chemicals and, in particular, PFAS or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances on sperm count and mobility. The study sought to understand how a mother’s exposure to these toxic chemicals during pregnancy could affect the child’s fertility later in life.
