Men's Health and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Men's Health and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Many of the conditions that threaten men’s reproductive and sexual health are directly linked to lifestyle factors. Adopting a proactive approach to health—minimizing risk factors before conditions develop and undergoing regular health checkups—is vital for overall quality of life.
Lifestyle Habits That Support Reproductive Health
- Temperature Control: The testicles must remain cooler than body temperature to ensure healthy sperm production. Taking excessively hot showers, frequent sauna use, working with a laptop on your lap, or wearing very tight underwear can impair sperm parameters.
- Metabolic Balance: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension directly contribute to erectile dysfunction by damaging blood vessel structure. Maintaining a healthy weight and following an antioxidant-rich (Mediterranean-style) diet are essential.
- Harmful Habits: Smoking impairs sexual function by causing blood vessels to narrow and can lead to infertility by damaging sperm DNA. Alcohol and environmental toxins should be avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andrology
Below is a compilation of medical answers to the questions our patients most frequently ask about the Andrology Clinic and related conditions:
At what age does erectile dysfunction begin?
Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, but its prevalence increases significantly after age 40 due to the deterioration of blood vessel structure that accompanies aging. While it is primarily caused by organic factors (vascular, neurological, or hormonal) in a large proportion of older men, in younger men it is generally attributed to psychological factors (performance anxiety).
Can premature ejaculation be treated?
Yes, it is a condition that can be treated with medical intervention. If there is no underlying organic cause (such as prostatitis or a thyroid disorder), successful treatment options are available, including behavioral techniques (stop-start), topical anesthetic creams, certain types of antidepressants, and sex therapy.
Does varicocele cause infertility?
Yes, varicocele (enlargement of the veins in the testicles) can lead to infertility by negatively affecting sperm production, count, and motility due to increased heat and the accumulation of toxic substances in the testicles. Varicocele is diagnosed in approximately 40% of cases of male infertility.
What are the symptoms of low testosterone?
A constant feeling of fatigue, loss of sexual desire (low libido), erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass and strength, difficulty concentrating, a depressed mood, an increase in body fat (especially in the abdominal area), and a decrease in bone density are symptoms of testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism).
How is penile curvature (Peyronie's disease) surgery performed?
Surgery is planned once the active (painful) phase of the disease has ended and the curvature has stabilized. Depending on the degree of curvature, microsurgical techniques are performed in which the tissue on the longer side of the penis is shortened (Nesbit procedure) or the plaque tissue is completely excised and replaced with a graft.
Does an enlarged prostate affect sexual health?
Yes, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis can cause erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation, and a loss of sexual desire. In addition, some alpha-blockers or hormone-suppressing medications used to treat prostate conditions may also cause temporary sexual side effects.
