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New Study Finds Link Between Male Infertility and Testicular Cancer

A study conducted by the University of Utah and published in the scholarly journal November 2015 has found a link between male infertility and an increased risk of testicular cancer. Patients who have been diagnosed with male fertility issues should consult their physician to be examined for this serious condition. A leading Austin male infertility specialist, Dr. Parviz Kavoussi offers his thoughts and insights on this new development.
The Subfertility Health and Assisted Reproduction Study

Conducted between the years 1996 and 2011, the Subfertility Health and Assisted Reproduction study was a joint effort between researchers at the University of Utah and Intermountain Health Care, referred to as SHARE. The study included more than 20,000 men who were subjects of semen analysis and an equivalent number of men chosen as a control group. The data collected by SHARE was compiled and analyzed to produce some interesting findings:

• Men with sperm counts in the 90th percentile or above were about twice as likely to develop melanoma than their control counterparts.
• Men with fertility issues, by contrast, were at three times greater risk of developing testicular cancer as members of the control group. When only men with abnormally low sperm counts were considered, the risk of testicular cancer increased to ten times that for control group members.

According to Dr. Kavoussi, this new information should prompt men with infertility issues to be particularly diligent about doing testicular self-examinations and to report any changes in their physical condition to their doctors right away.
Facts About Testicular Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, testicular cancer is highly treatable if it is diagnosed in the early stages. The lifetime chance of developing this type of cancer is estimated at one in 263. Dr. Kavoussi notes that testicular cancer is more common among young and middle-aged men. This group is also one of the least likely to seek medical attention on a regular basis. Fortunately, those who are seeking help for male fertility issues are generally under the care of a physician already and can be examined for this condition. Knowing the early warning signs of testicular cancer can help patients track their own physical condition more accurately to ensure faster diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Male Infertility

Infertility in men can be caused by a number of factors, including the following:

• Low sperm counts or lack of healthy sperm
• Low motility of sperm
• Low viability of sperm
• Low semen volume
• The size an shape of sperm
• Failure of sperm to be transported effectively in semen

Austin male infertility specialist, Dr. Parviz Kavoussi can provide solutions for these issues to increase the chance of successful conception. The SHARE study highlights another potential benefit of seeking treatment for male fertility issues. By working with these dedicated professionals, men can not only improve their odds of producing a healthy baby but can also protect their health against the risks of testicular cancer progression.