Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about medical issues related to pregnancy and childbirth, from fertility to labor. Infertility isn’t just a women’s issue. When a couple is having trouble conceiving, the man should visit a urologist for evaluation. Some possible factors in male infertility can include infection, surgery, chemotherapy or radiation to the groin area.
Research is finding that there may be other causes of male infertility. In a study involving Vietnam veterans who’d been exposed to Agent Orange, doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that exposure to the chemical dioxin affects the male reproductive system. One of the results is lower testosterone levels. Dr. Amit Gupta, a UT Southwestern urologist, says this could lead to infertility, among other effects. It’s possible that other chemicals found in the environment may also affect the reproductive system and fertility.
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February 2007
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