70 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com There are several possible causes of testicular failure, some more proven than others: • Increasingly sedentary lifestyles due to technology and office-based conveniences; • Rising rates of male obesity, causing unfavorable shifts in the body’s hormone balance; • Environmental toxins and factors such as phthalates, found in the more than 30 million tons of plastics produced annually; • Certain processed foods; • Diabetes; • Obstructive sleep apnea; • Long-term stress and mental health problems; • Erectile disfunction as a result of pornography addiction; • Warmer temperatures in homes and offices; • Tighter fitting underwear and pants; • Mobile phones that may be causing physical and psychological damage; • Heavy marijuana or alcohol use; • The natural aging process. Although testosterone levels begin to drop naturally after age 30, Dr. Kubinski maintained there are definitely more symptomatic men under the age of 40 now than there were 20 years ago. “These men are bothered by their decreased sex drive, decreased energy and drive, decreased muscle mass, depressed mood and sleep issues,” said Dr. Kubinski. “The destructive ripple effects of low testosterone are identifiable: I see low libido affecting marriages, loss of muscle mass or obesity affecting confidence and decreased cognition affecting job performance.” “Treatment will depend upon identifying the underlying cause. A dilated vein to the testicle can cause a lower sperm count, but surgical repair can be corrective,” he added. “Medications such as clomiphene can increase sperm count and testosterone levels by releasing both FSH and LH from the pituitary gland to stimulate the testicles. Infections can also be treated with medication, and heavy marijuana or alcohol use can be addressed with lifestyle changes.” Counseling is always part of Dr. Kubinski’s approach with his patients. “I try very hard to create a plan based upon the patient’s priorities, degree of bother, beliefs, budget and other health issues,” he noted. “Successful treatment by a qualified medical doctor can make a huge difference in both quality of life and overall health – and that’s why I opened The Men’s Center and why I love what I do.” In the last 40 years, the average, age-adjusted testosterone levels and sperm counts for men have declined consistently. In fact, some studies suggest a greater than 50% decline in sperm counts over the past several decades. This is, obviously, a troubling trend. “ “
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