Dr. Turek's Blog

How Does the mRNA COVID Vaccine Alter Us Genetically?

Actually, it doesn’t. It’s not putting a DNA “genetic code” into our bodies. Instead, it’s an injection of the downstream instructions for protein-making molecules called mRNA. These molecules are quickly broken down by cells soon after being injected and don’t have the capacity to genetically “transform” cells like DNA can. Some other facts about the […]

Male infertility & semen analysis

There’s Hope: Maybe He’s Not Infertile!

They’ve been trying to conceive for almost two years with no luck. She’s been checked out and he’s been checked out and they’re both “fine.” That’s called unexplained infertility. It’s often at this point that I see couples, shoulders shrugged, saying: “We’re hoping you can figure out why we’re not conceiving!” And this scenario is […]

Fireworks

Is Trying to Conceive Giving You Performance Anxiety?

You’ve recently stopped using contraception. She has the timing of her cycle down and knows when she’s most fertile every month. Welcome to baby making time! At first glance, this seems straightforward enough: All those years practicing the art means that you know exactly what to do. Now it’s just a question of stepping up […]

Ice after a Vasectomy

How to Prepare for a Vasectomy

The COVID pandemic has been very clarifying for you. You really don’t want more/any children. She has “pulled the goalie” and it’s time for you to step up and take control of things. After a bit of online research, you realize that your options are pretty limited: pulling out, abstinence, condoms…and vasectomy. Luckily, vasectomy happens […]

Lone tree

Dealing With Unsolicited Fertility Advice From Others

They’re probably just trying to help, but getting an earful of advice from others about your infertility issue can be incredibly uncomfortable. And belittling. And distressing. Like you haven’t already been endlessly researching options and talking with providers. Untargeted infertility advice is often way off target…and it just keeps coming. But, although no one has […]

What Happens to Birth Rates During Pandemics?

At first glance, you’d think that staying at home (by law) during the COVID-19 pandemic would mean more babies being born. After all, conception rates are seasonal, with the highest rates occurring during the winter months when we’re all huddled inside. Romance and sex are all about contact time, right? Turns out, it’s a bit […]

Where You Get Your Semen Analysis Done Matters

Quick question. Which matters more: How you collect your semen sample or who analyzes it? Correct, it’s who you give it to that matters more. Barring major interruptions or large faults in technique, collecting semen is basically triggering a spinal reflex that’s pretty consistent in humans, kind of like a light switch. But to properly […]

Love in the Time of a Pandemic

A tiny virus about 1/50 the size of a red blood cell and containing a short little strand of RNA has rocked our world. According to Kelly Clark, the COVID virus “…is just an inexplicable, purposeless mutation” hoisted upon us, like it or not. It has maimed or killed hundreds of thousands around the world […]

Why Male Sexual Health Care Is Good Medicine

It’s not easy to define “good medicine.” When I think of “good medicine,” I think of medical care that isn’t reactive, ponderously slow and inefficient. Good medicine is efficient, impactful, proactive, empowering and curative. Much of medicine treats illness, but good medicine heals it. Much of medicine is based on science but good medicine is […]

Marijuana and Risk of Testicular Cancer

An Unholy Duo: Weed and Testis Cancer

I know that it is legal in most states. I also know that getting “high” on pot is not the same as getting “drunk” on alcohol. These issues aside, I still worry a lot about the relationship between pot use and the risk of testicular cancer. Some recent meta-analysis research adds fuel to the fire. […]