New Study: Men Diagnosed With Infertility Suffer Intense Negative Sexual, Personal and Social Strains

Infertility Among Men Not the 'Silent Disease' Once Believed; Infertile Men Have
More Marital, Relationship and Sex Problems
SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--
A new research study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine and led by
noted men`s health researcher Dr. Paul Turek has a powerful conclusion: that men
diagnosed with infertility suffer intense negative sexual, personal and social
strains that might be considered typical for other medical illnesses, including
cancer.

Traditionally viewed as a "silent disease" in men, the psychological toll
infertility takes on men's health was previously not well known by medical
researchers. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco, in
collaboration with Dr. Turek, a nationally recognized urologist, male
infertility specialist and founder of the renowned Turek Clinic in San
Francisco, conducted the study.

"Since male infertility is such a common problem, it is important to understand
the real impact it has on male health and relationships," Dr. Turek said. "This
study makes clear, for the first time, that male infertility is a `disease` like
any other, silent or not, and can have a serious effect on the overall
well-being of the individual, the couple, and the family."

The study shows that the diagnosis of infertility increases social strain in
male partners of infertile couples. Male partners in couples with perceived,
isolated male factor infertility have a lower sexual and personal quality of
life compared to male partners of couples without perceived male factor
infertility.

About one in eight couples - around 7.3 million Americans - has trouble
conceiving. Half of those cases have male infertility issues - often easily
treatable ones. Male infertility affects 10% to 15% of reproductive aged couples
worldwide and is treatable in many cases.

The goal of the research was to measure the personal, social, sexual and marital
impact of a diagnosis of male factor infertility among men in couples evaluated
for infertility. Among the 357 men studied, no male factor was reported in 47%,
isolated male factor was present in 12%, combined male and female factors were
present in 16%, and unexplained infertility was present in 25% of couples. The
research involved cross-sectional analysis of 357 men in infertile couples from
eight academic and community-based fertility clinics. Participants completed
validated, written surveys, face-to-face and telephone interviews at study
enrollment. More information about the study can be found on The Journal of
Sexual Medicine Web site at:
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118495964/home.

Tips for Men Diagnosed With Infertility

Dr. Turek offers this advice for men diagnosed with infertility:

1. Take control of the matter - Take the initiative and educate yourself as this
helps you get control of the situation and helps with decision-making. Consider
going to informational web sites such as ASRM.org and SSMR.org.

2. Make an appointment with a specialist in male infertility - These physicians
are usually urologists who are interested in, or specifically trained in, male
infertility matters and see infertility frequently and not just rarely. They can
streamline care and make it more efficient, and often employ cutting edge
treatment techniques unfamiliar to other physicians.

3. Talk openly with your partner regarding your feelings - Have the difficult
conversation with your other half. Be upfront when you need a break from the
topic. Decide who really needs to know about it and who doesn`t. This can help
relieve stress.

4. Find a way to blow off steam - This issue can lead to frustration and
self-doubt. Get your blood pumping by working out, playing hoops, or going
running. Release the stress with yoga, massage or whatever works for you. Try to
save that sex drive from also tanking.

5.Get the support you need - Talk with buddies that you trust. Even consider
talking with a therapist or counselor. Ask your doctor about where you can get
such help.

"In most cases, male infertility is not the fault of the man. It is a disease
that happens like any other," Dr. Turek said. "A good response to this is to be
the best man you can be and take great care of yourself." Dr. Turek recommends:
"Eat well, sleep well and treat your body like a temple."

About The Turek Clinic

The Turek Clinic is a next-generation men's healthcare medical practice
specializing in issues facing reproductive age men, including male infertility,
vasectomy, vasectomy reversal, varicocele repair, and other minimally invasive
procedures. The practice was founded in 2008 by Dr. Paul Turek, a leading
surgeon and former endowed chair professor at the University of California San
Francisco. Dr. Turek's work combines innovative and cutting edge techniques with
the wisdom of old-world medicine to treat and solve the problems of men 21 to 55
years of age. For more information, visit www.TheTurekClinic.com or Dr. Turek`s
blog at http://www.TurekOnMensHealth.com/.

for The Turek Clinic
Scott D. Olson, 612-804-1622 (Media)
MedicalMediaRelations.com

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