American Journal of Men's Health最新文献

Male factor infertility contributes to nearly half of all infertility cases, yet timely semen analysis is often hindered by logistical and psychosocial barriers. The standard recommendation for in-clinic analysis within 1 hr post-ejaculation limits access, prompting interest in at-home semen collection and mail-in testing solutions. This prospective study evaluates the Give Legacy At-Home Semen Collection Kit for its ability to preserve semen quality over time and assesses whether delayed analyses (up to 48 hr post-ejaculation) can reliably predict baseline semen parameters. Thirty participants provided 60 semen samples analyzed across five timepoints (T0: 30 min, T1: 1 hr, T2: 6 hr, T3: 24 hr, T4: 30 hr). Total and progressive motility declined over time, with the greatest reductions after 6 hr. At baseline, high total motile sperm count (TOMO) individuals exhibited significantly greater motility than those in the low TOMO group and retained relatively higher motility across time points. Predictive models using delayed data (T1-T4) accurately estimated baseline motility values, with strong performance metrics (e.g., progressive motility model: mean absolute error [MAE] = 7.31, root mean squared error [RMSE] = 11.15, r = .86, intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .74). These findings suggest that semen degradation during transit is predictable and that baseline motility can be reconstructed with clinically acceptable accuracy. This study supports the clinical utility of at-home semen collection and mail-in analysis for male fertility assessment. Predictive modeling enables diagnostic insights even when testing is delayed, expanding access while maintaining diagnostic integrity. Future research should explore broader populations and integrate additional fertility biomarkers.

This study systematically investigates the prognostic value and clinical significance of PANoptosis-related genes in bladder cancer (BC). By integrating the TCGA and GEO databases, two PANoptosis molecular subtypes with significant survival differences were identified, with the C2 subtype demonstrating a more favorable prognosis. A prognostic model comprising nine key genes was constructed, demonstrating robust risk stratification capabilities in both training and validation sets. Further analysis revealed that high-risk patients exhibited distinct immunosuppressive microenvironment characteristics, including enrichment of Treg cells and M2 macrophages. Single-cell sequencing analysis elucidated the cell-type-specific expression patterns of these genes within the tumor microenvironment. Experimental validation confirmed the significant overexpression of KCNJ15, FASN, and ADAMTS12 in BC tissues. The prognostic model established in this study provides a novel tool for risk stratification of BC patients while simultaneously establishing the foundation for in-depth exploration of PANoptosis mechanisms in BC.

This study examines public perceptions of vasectomy in China through a content analysis of user-generated posts on Rednote, one of the country's most influential social media platforms. A total of 106 posts published up to August 2025 were analyzed, focusing on individual experiences, decision-making processes, postoperative outcomes, and emotional tone. The results show that vasectomy is predominantly portrayed in a positive light (92.5%), with most decisions made by men themselves (57.5%). The majority of patients were married with children, but a notable proportion consisted of Dual Income No Kids (DINK) individuals, reflecting shifting fertility intentions in China. Reported complications were rare, with only a few cases of persistent pain, contraceptive failure, or repeat surgery. Engagement metrics revealed highly skewed interaction patterns, where a small number of posts drove significant discussion and visibility. Geographically, most posts originated from economically developed coastal provinces. The findings suggest that social media narratives are reshaping public discourse around vasectomy, positioning it as a legitimate, responsible contraceptive option aligned with evolving cultural norms, gender equality, and modern lifestyle choices in urban China. Nevertheless, limitations include reliance on self-reported content and the platform's demographic skew toward younger, urban populations.

Diabetic erectile dysfunction (DMED) is a complex condition primarily characterized by impaired vasodilation and inadequate blood perfusion. As of 2023, the available techniques for evaluating vascular function are limited. Intracavernous pressure (ICP) measurement is regarded as the gold standard for assessing erectile function in animals, yet this approach struggles to differentiate between vascular endothelial dysfunction and smooth muscle dysfunction. This study assessed erectile function in DMED rats and analyzed the hemorheology of the penile corpus cavernosum in conjunction with laser speckle blood perfusion imaging (LSBPI). The vasomotor function of the internal iliac artery (IIA) was evaluated using ex vivo microvascular tension measurement. Masson staining was applied to investigate structural alterations in the IIA and cavernous arteries, and immunofluorescence was utilized to measure the protein expression levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), revealing vascular functional status at both tissue and molecular levels. The model group showed lower ICP values, diminished blood flow, and reduced vasoconstrictive capacity compared to the control group. High-potassium stimulation caused a more pronounced decrease in vascular tension in the model group. Sodium nitroprusside produced comparable vasodilatory responses in both groups; following incubation with N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, the model group demonstrated decreased vascular tension. The model group exhibited fibrosis in penile tissue, elevated levels of VCAM-1 and VEGF, and decreased expression of eNOS protein. The integration of ICP with LSBPI and vascular tensiometry enables simultaneous in vivo hemodynamic monitoring and ex vivo functional dissection of endothelial-smooth muscle interactions in DMED.

Usual Interstitial Pneumonia (UIP) is a progressive fibrotic lung condition most commonly observed in older men, yet sex-specific clinical outcomes remain underexplored. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine demographic, clinical, radiological, and mortality-related characteristics of patients diagnosed with a UIP pattern based on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), using real-world data from a tertiary chest clinic in Turkey between 2015 and 2025. A total of 100 patients were included, of whom 72% were male. The mean age was 68.4 years, and the average smoking burden was 32.5 pack-years. Radiological progression occurred in 48% of cases, and overall mortality was 26%. Malignancy was an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.10, 7.43]; p = .032), alongside older age (per year: adjusted OR = 1.06, 95% CI = [1.01, 1.12]; p = .041). Despite the high smoking prevalence, no significant association was found between smoking load and mortality. These findings underscore the disproportionate burden of UIP among older men and highlight the importance of routine malignancy screening and individualized follow-up strategies in this population. The study supports the integration of interstitial lung disease surveillance into comprehensive men's health care frameworks and calls for increased awareness of UIP's clinical implications in at-risk male populations.

Preconception health behaviors significantly influence pregnancy outcomes, yet patterns of these behaviors and their determinants have received limited attention, particularly among men. Understanding behavioral profiles is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve paternal reproductive health. We conducted a cross-sectional study examining over 20 guideline-recommended preconception health behaviors among 952 Chinese men. Latent profile analysis was utilized to identify different behavioral profiles. Multinomial logistic regressions assessed associations of profile membership with sociodemographic and medical history characteristics. Four distinct preconception health behavioral profiles were identified: a "Moderate" profile (44.0%) with scores near or slightly above the overall mean on most behaviors; a "Vulnerable" profile (4.5%) showing markedly negative scores across multiple behaviors; and two intermediate profiles "Unmotivated" (33.2%) and "At-Risk" (18.3%) with scores closer to average on some behaviors but notably lower on others (e.g., planning, avoidance of environmental hazards and domestic violence, treating existing diseases). Several behaviors received low scores across all profiles, including preconception check-ups, genetic screening, receiving professional preconception education, physical activity, and immunization. Lower education and unplanned pregnancy were consistently associated with at-risk behavioral profiles. Interventions must combine universal campaigns to elevate systematically neglected behaviors with targeted strategies addressing profile-specific needs. Pregnancy planning emerges as a keystone intervention opportunity. National programs require rebranding to emphasize paternal participation, while all strategies must address underlying social determinants rather than focusing solely on individual behavior change.

There is a knowledge gap about fathers' experiences during the perinatal period globally. Limited literature addresses experiences of first-time fathers during the perinatal period in the sociocultural context of Pakistan. This is the first study to explore the experiences of first-time fathers during the perinatal period in Pakistan and seeks to clarify those experiences from the father's perspectives. Critical realism (CR) philosophy was integrated with the socioecological model (SEM) framework to guide this qualitative descriptive study. Eight first-time fathers were recruited and interviewed individually at their homes by male research assistants. Four fathers were experiencing the prenatal phase and four were experiencing the postnatal phase up to 6 months after delivery. Interview data were analyzed using inductive content analysis technique. Results revealed the multifaceted relationship between agents and social structures in contributing to the perinatal experiences of first-time fathers in Pakistan. Religion played a strong role in shaping first-time Pakistani fathers' experiences in both prenatal and postnatal phases of the perinatal period. Economic conditions in Pakistan contributed to fathers' stress about providing for family expenses and their child's future. Hospital and government policies were a major concern for postnatal fathers. All fathers developed a sense of responsibility after receiving news about becoming a father. Integration of CR and SEM facilitated new insights. This multilevel perspective may offer hope for improving the experiences of first-time fathers during their wives' perinatal period. These new insights can also assist policymakers and researchers in developing strategies and interventions for successful transition to fatherhood in Pakistan.

Lifestyle factors greatly affect fertility, making improving the fertility awareness of men an urgent matter. This study aimed to assess changes in fertility awareness and lifestyle behaviors among men after viewing a video focusing on sperm quality. The participants in this single-group, longitudinal study were employed men in their 20s and 30s without children. They were administered an online questionnaire survey three times: before, immediately after, and 2 weeks after viewing the video. This study was conducted in January 2024 after undergoing institutional ethics review. A total of 69 participants were included in the analysis. The results indicated that the proportion of participants interested in fertility after viewing the video increased significantly, from 44.9% (n = 31) to 76.8% (n = 53; p < .001). Of the 13 lifestyle behaviors covered in the survey, a significant difference was seen for only one after 2 weeks: walking for approximately 5 min after sitting for approximately 1 hr (p = .035). The percentage of participants whose awareness of improvements in their lifestyle behavior had changed 2 weeks after viewing the video ranged from 19.1% to 39.1% lower for all 13 items. The change in awareness of each lifestyle behavior was analyzed based on participants who had already regularly engaged in the behavior and participants who had not, and significant differences were seen for seven behaviors. These results indicate that the video was effective for stimulating men's interest in their own fertility. However, challenges remain in changing lifestyle behaviors.

Observational studies have identified a significant co-morbidity between urinary tract infections (UTIs) and psychiatric disorders, yet the causal relationship remains uncertain. We conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to evaluate the causal relationship between psychiatric disorders (schizophrenia [SC], bipolar disorder [BD], major depressive disorder [MDD], autism spectrum disorder [ASD], attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD], anorexia nervosa [AN]) and UTIs using data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium and UK Biobank. To account for potential confounding factors and investigate the independent effects of multiple psychiatric disorders, we further employed multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR). Inverse variance weighted analysis demonstrated that genetic susceptibilities of MDD and ASD increased UTI risk with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.31 (95% CI: 1.15-1.48, p < .001) and 1.08 (95% CI: 1.03-1.15, p = .004), respectively. UTIs were associated with a slight increase in the risk of MDD, evidenced by an OR of 1.061 (95% CI: 1.01-1.12, p = .019). Multivariate MR analysis revealed that MDD, after adjusting for type 2 diabetes mellitus and urinary stones, increased UTI risk (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08-1.45, p = .002), with smoking mediating 13.6% (p = .006) of MDD's effect on UTIs. Our study establishes a causal relationship between psychiatric disorders and UTIs, identifying smoking as a mediator. These findings provide valuable guidance for clinicians to develop effective prevention and management strategies for patients with coexisting mental disorders and UTIs.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, impacting both males and females. In men, HPV causes genital warts, more than 90% of anal cancers, and 60% of oropharyngeal cancers. Given that one in three men are infected with HPV worldwide, there is a pressing need for enhanced public health strategies focusing on prevention. This comprehensive narrative review presents an overview of HPV in men, key risk factors, and primary prevention in men. The most effective preventive measure for HPV in males is vaccination. Males at high risk for HPV include those who smoke, have human immunodeficiency virus, consume alcohol, engage with multiple sexual partners, fail to use barrier methods, and are unvaccinated. HPV vaccinations prevent most HPV-associated diseases; however, numerous barriers to vaccine uptake remain, including misconceptions that men do not benefit from vaccination, safety concerns, limited accessibility, and inconsistent vaccine recommendations.