Everything you need to know about T-Levels

What Do You Know About Testosterone?

You probably think you understand testosterone, as it is one of the most well-known hormones, along with estrogen. It is thought of as a “male” hormone, but in fact, it is found in people of any sex, and is made not only by the testes, but also the adrenal cortex and ovaries. When testosterone levels are normal, they facilitate sexual development, sex drive, healthy muscles and bones, and well-regulated moods. In women, normal testosterone levels promote bone strength, ovarian function, and libido. However, when those levels are off, they can cause issues for both men and women.

What Are Normal Testosterone Levels?

In men, normal testosterone levels run between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), and the ranges can vary slightly, depending on factors like age, health conditions, and medications being taken. As men age, their testosterone production slows. For women, normal testosterone levels are much lower, at 15 to 70 ng/dL. When these levels are too high or low, it can be problematic.

Symptoms of High Testosterone

For men, having too much testosterone isn’t typically a problem. For men who do experience this, though, symptoms include:

• Acne and oily skin
• Irritability and aggression
• Increased strength and muscle mass
• Reduced fertility
• Sleep apnea
• Thinning hair and increased body hair
• Weight gain and fluid retention
• Enlargement of the prostate
• Increased breast tissue
• Liver problems
• High blood pressure

For women, too much testosterone can throw off the delicate balance between testosterone and estrogen, often resulting in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Other symptoms include:

• Deepened voice
• Acne and oily skin
• Excess facial and body hair
• Decreased hair on scalp
• Reduction in breast size
• Mood changes
• Increased muscle mass
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone is more common in men, and more problematic. Symptoms include:

• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Low semen volume
• Decreased energy levels, fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass
• Increased body fat
• Increased irritability
• Depression or anxiety
• Lower bone density
• Memory and concentration issues
• Hair loss
• Anemia
• Hot flashes

For women, symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Problems with fertility
• Irregular periods
• Diminished libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Changes in the breast tissue
• Osteoporosis
• Depression or poor concentration

How Do You Know if Your Levels are Off?

If you suspect your testosterone levels are too high or too low, talk to your healthcare provider. There are blood tests that can determine your hormone levels, and measures you can take to adjust them. Your doctor may decide that you are a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) which supplements your body with the testosterone it isn’t making on its own.

Get Help From Center for Vasectomy Reversal

If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, particularly if you feel they are impeding your ability to conceive, talk to a fertility specialist that understands men’s health. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

The History of Chicken Pox Parties

Understanding Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral infection, resulting from an infection with the varicella-zoster virus. It is highly contagious and commonly affects children, but as long as the children are otherwise healthy, it is not serious. The symptoms are unpleasant but mild, and they typically resolve within about a week. Once a person has had chickenpox, the body builds up immunity to it, so most people only have it once in their lives. Chickenpox parties used to be popular, based on the premise that exposing a healthy child to the virus would “get it over with” and prevent infection in later life, when chickenpox can be much more serious. Brilliant idea, right? Not so fast.

The Problem with Pox Parties

While it is true that it is better to get chickenpox as a child than as an adult, exposure to the virus is not the best way to build immunity. Characterized by a rash that evolves into itchy, fluid-filled blisters, which then scab and fall off, chickenpox can sometimes have serious complications. Adults are more susceptible to these complications, which include bacterial infections, brain infection or inflammation, pneumonia, sepsis, dehydration, and bleeding problems. It would seem to make sense to expose children to this illness to keep them from having to go through it as adults, and for a while, pox parties were the only way to build lasting immunity. However, a chickenpox vaccine developed in 1995 eliminated the need for children to go through this illness, and it’s much better to have the vaccine than the virus. Why? If you have had the virus, it can stay in the body in dormant form. When it reactivates later in life, it causes shingles, which is an extremely painful condition. People who have had the vaccine, rather than the virus, have a much lower risk of contracting shingles.

Something Else to Consider

Before the development of the chickenpox vaccine, about 4 million people in the United States used to contract chickenpox each year. Out of those 4 million, somewhere between 8,000 to 18,000 ended up in the hospital, and 100 to 150 died. While that is a small percentage, it is too dire a consequence to risk having the virus unnecessarily. As of 2017, only about 8,775 in the entire United States had chickenpox, which is a dramatic drop. The vaccination is a safe and effective way to develop immunity to the virus without exposing your children to the severe and sometimes life-threatening risks that go along with a chicken pox infection.

Help With Starting a Family

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we are committed to helping men grow and care for their families. We pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Do Men’s Fertility Supplements Really Help?

Understanding Male Infertility

Male infertility is common, and in about half of all cases in which a couple is struggling to conceive, the man is part of the problem. In 20 percent, they’re the entire cause of the issue. There are many different causes of male infertility, but most of the time, a man’s fertility depends on the quality and quantity of his sperm. Is there anything you can do to improve these factors? Can fertility supplements really help?

Male Fertility Supplements

There is no shortage of dietary supplements on the market, purporting to boost male fertility. There are pills, capsules, tablets, and liquids, containing ingredients like zinc, selenium, arginine, coenzyme Q, and folic acid. Research into these supplements has had mixed results, in part because there haven’t been many large, well-designed trials. The general consensus, however, is that, while supplements can be beneficial, it’s better get your nutrition from your diet.

Which Nutrients Are Most Important for Male Fertility?

To be beneficial, a supplement doesn’t need to be specifically designated for fertility. Choosing nutrients that benefit your fertility, even if they are just regular vitamins and minerals, can help supplement your diet and have a positive impact. For a man experiencing fertility issues, taking supplements can be a proactive step that helps him feel a sense of control over his situation. Here are some of the most important nutrients for male fertility.

• Vitamin C: Known for its immunity-boosting properties, Vitamin C also improves sperm motility and boosts circulation. It’s especially important for smokers, and is best delivered in foods that are raw or lightly cooked. Because it doesn’t stay in your body, it needs to be part of your diet each day, and can be found in peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes, papaya, strawberries, kiwi, and citrus fruit.
• Zinc: One of the most important nutrients for male fertility, zinc is a powerful antioxidant. Good sources of zinc include meats like oysters, steak, venison, and lamb, vegetables like spinach, green peas, and white mushrooms, seeds and nuts like pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cashews, pecans, almonds, walnuts peanuts, and other foods, including wheat, oats, eggs, and dark chocolate.
• Arginine: Also called L-arginine, this amino acid is believed to increase sperm count and improve sperm quality, as well as increasing blood flow around the body. It’s found in almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans.
• CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant thought to improve sperm quality and motility. CoQ10 rich foods include beef, pork, chicken, fish, peanuts, pistachios, sesame seeds, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and cauliflower. It’s better to get CoQ10 through diet, because supplements can cause unpleasant side effects like stomach issues and insomnia.
• Selenium: Selenium increases sperm motility, but it is important not to take too much about it, because large quantities can be toxic. Get your doctor’s advice before taking selenium supplements, but you can get it through your diet by eating Brazil nuts, strawberries, and sunflower seeds.
• L-Carnitine: This amino acid assists with cellular metabolism and sperm motility. Your body produces L-Carnitine, but you can add to it by eating red meat, cheese, nuts, seeds, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.
• Folate: Also called vitamin B9 or folic acid, this is extremely important for female fertility, and there is evidence that it improves sperm quality. Folate is found in broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, celery, carrots, peas, citrus fruits, lentils, avocado, strawberries, fortified foods, and liver.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants combat free radicals and improve sperm quality. Vitamin C and zinc are excellent antioxidants, as are vitamin E and beta-carotene. Carrots, sweet potato, spinach, peppers, broccoli, lettuce, kale, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, and mangos are all good sources of beta carotene, while vitamin E can be found in almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli, avocado, apricots, and wheat germ.

Help with Fertility, From Experienced Medical Professionals

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.

Foods that Help with Penis Blood Flow

The Problem of ED

Occasional trouble getting or maintaining an erection is frustrating, but it is also common, and not usually something to that should cause too much concern. When it is a consistent issue, though, it is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). This can be temporary or chronic, and can be caused by a variety of things, including nerve damage, hormonal issues, lifestyle choices, psychological factors, and some medications. One major reason for erectile issues is insufficient blood flow.

Why Blood Flow Matters

During an erection, blood flow to the penis is increased, as the penile arteries expand. The blood is moved by muscles, into the spongy tissues of the penis, and this is what makes it erect. When there is not enough blood flow, erectile dysfunction can occur, making it difficult to perform sexually. There are medications that treat erectile dysfunction, but there are also natural ways to increase blood flow to the penis. Cutting back on alcohol, managing stress, quitting smoking, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, staying well-hydrated, and exercising can all help, and so can eating a nutritious diet.

Foods that Improve Penis Blood Flow

• Asparagus: High in fiber, asparagus is also packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium, as well as asparagine, a compound that is known to boost the production of sex hormones.
• Avocado: The monounsaturated fats in avocado support cardiovascular health, and they are high in vitamin E, which enhances blood flow and reduces inflammation.
• Beef: Lean cuts of beef provide protein and zinc, important for male fertility. In fact, after oysters, lean beef is the second highest source of zinc.
• Beets: Beets increase nitric oxide levels, which help reduce stress, as well as enhancing erectile function. Nitric oxide works as a relaxant and widens blood vessels, allowing improved blood flow.
• Broccoli: Packed with vitamin C, broccoli boosts immunity, and your overall health is important for your sexual health.
• Brussels Sprouts: Another vitamin C powerhouse, Brussels sprouts improve sperm motility and reduce sperm cells.
• Chicken: A good source of high-quality protein, chicken also has zinc and selenium. Together, these nutrients help with muscle repair and growth and protect cells against oxidative stress.
• Citrus Fruit: Citrus fruits are another great source of vitamin C, which helps not only the immune system but also the circulatory system.
• Chocolate: The compounds in chocolate promote serotonin production, improving mood, enhancing libido, and acting as an aphrodisiac, as well as promoting blood flow to genital tissues. Dark chocolate is the best source of phenethylamine, which triggers the release of endorphins.
• Clams: Clams are full of selenium, a mineral that acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from damage.
• Crabs: Crabs are loaded with zinc, which is a crucial mineral for male fertility.
• Figs: Rich in potassium, which supports cardiovascular health, and amino acids like lysine, valine, and arginine, which are involved in increasing libido.
• Mussels: Trace minerals like zinc and selenium are important for sexual function, and eating mussels is a good way to get them.
• Oats: Full of soluble fiber and complex carbohydrates, oats can help decrease blood pressure, improve blood sugar regulation, and regulate hormones.
• Oysters: Known as an aphrodisiac, oysters are high in zinc, crucial for erectile function.
• Peanuts: Peanuts have protein, fiber, healthy fat, and L-arginine, an amino acid that helps with generating reproductive cells.
• Pine Nuts: Like peanuts, pine nuts are loaded with nutrients, specifically zinc, selenium, and arginine. These promote testosterone production, sperm health, and blood flow.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are another great source of selenium, which is particularly beneficial when combined with vitamin E.
• Salmon: The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon are good for your heart, and good for blood flow to your genitals.
• Spinach: Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, containing folate, magnesium, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Low levels of folic acid have been linked to ED, and magnesium improves both blood flow and testosterone levels.
• Sweet Potatoes: The potassium in sweet potatoes promotes good vascular and sexual health, improving blood flow all around the body, including the penis.
• Red Wine: In moderation, red wine can help the circulatory system, because it contains antioxidants like resveratrol, which help keep cells healthy. Red wine also contains nitric oxide, which helps dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Help with ED and Infertility

Changing your habits and diet can help, but sometimes professional experience is required. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their sexual health and fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.