An Online Investigation Into Direct-to-Consumer Men's Health Clinics: The Who, What, and Where.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize direct-to-consumer (DTC) men's health clinics by reviewing their online content. Increasing numbers of patients are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypogonadism from DTC "men's health" clinics. Treatments are often used off-label, with lack of transparency of provider credentials and qualifications. METHODS: We identified DTC Men's Health Clinics in the United States by internet search by state using the terms, "Men's Health Clinic," and "Low T Center." All stand-alone clinics were reviewed. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-three clinics were reviewed, with 147 (65.9%) offered ED treatments and 196 (87.9%) offering testosterone replacement, and 120 (53.8%) offering both ED treatment and testosterone replacement. Of those clinics offering ED treatments, 93 (63.3%) advertised shockwave therapy and 84 (57.1%) PRP therapy. There were 56 (38%) who offered shockwave therapy and PRP. ICI was significantly more likely to be offered if there was a urologist on staff (p <.001). Clinic providers represented 20 different medical and alternative medicine specialties. Internal medicine was most common (17.4%), followed by family medicine (11.1%). A nonphysician (nurse practitioner or physician assistant) was listed as the primary provider in 10 clinics (4.5%) and 45 clinics (20.1%) did not list their providers. Urologists were listed as the primary provider in 10.3% of clinics. A naturopathic provider was listed as a staff member in 22 (11.6%) of clinics. CONCLUSION: There is significant heterogeneity and misinformation available to the public regarding men's health. Familiarity with and insight into practice patterns of "men's health" clinics will help provide informed patient care and counseling.

Penile prosthesis in the management of erectile dysfunction following cancer therapy.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem in older men and occurs with even greater frequency following the treatment of pelvic malignancies. Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation is a safe and effective form of definitive ED treatment for those men who fail more conservative measures, and it can be used with similar outcomes in men following cancer therapy. Although many of these men remain dissatisfied with other therapeutic options for ED, IPPs are underutilized in this population. This review will discuss the current practice patterns, outcomes and nuances to surgical technique regarding the use of IPPs in patients with ED following cancer therapy.

Testosterone versus clomiphene citrate in managing symptoms of hypogonadism in men.

INTRODUCTION: Both clomiphene citrate (CC) and testosterone supplementation therapy (TST) are effective treatments for men with hypogonadism. We sought to compare changes in symptoms and treatment efficacy in hypogonadal men before and after receiving CC and TST. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 52 men who received TST and 23 men who received CC for symptomatic hypogonadism were prospectively followed for change in hormone levels and symptoms after treatment. These men were also compared to eugonadal men who were not on CC or TST during the same period. Comparisons were made between baseline and posttreatment hormone levels and symptoms. Symptoms were evaluated using the androgen deficiency in aging male (ADAM) and quantitative ADAM (qADAM) questionnaires. RESULTS: Serum total testosterone increased from pretreatment levels in all men (P < 0.05), regardless of therapy type (TST: 281-541 ng/dL, CC: 235.5-438 ng/dL). Men taking TST reported fewer ADAM symptoms after treatment (5-2, P < 0.05). Similarly, men taking CC reported fewer ADAM symptoms after treatment (3.5-1.5, P < 0.05). Conversely, eugonadal men had similar T levels (352 vs. 364 ng/dL) and hypogonadal symptoms (1.5 vs. 1.4) before and after follow-up. When we evaluated individual symptoms, men treated with TST showed significant increases in qADAM scores in libido, erectile function, and sports performance. However, among the men who received CC, qADAM subscore for libido was lower following treatment (3.75-3.2, P = 0.04), indicating that CC could have an adverse effect on libido in hypogonadal men. CONCLUSIONS: Both TST and CC are effective medications in treating hypogonadism; however, our study indicates that TST is more effective in raising serum testosterone levels and improving hypogonadal symptoms. CC remains a viable treatment modality for hypogonadal men but its adverse effect on libido warrant further study.

Case Report: Testicular failure possibly associated with chronic use of methylphenidate.

Methylphenidate is a commonly prescribed treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about its adverse effects on the male reproductive system. We report a 20-year-old male patient whose chief complaint was of delayed puberty. He spoke in a high-pitched voice and complained of lack of body hair, impaired libido, inadequate erectile function, chronic fatigue, and low energy. He had been treated with methylphenidate as an infant and had continued treatment for 17 years. On examination, the patient was lean and visibly lacked facial or body hair. He further explained that he had never been able to grow underarm or facial hair and that he was often mistakenly considered a young teenager rather than a 20-year-old. The patient's genitalia were categorized as Tanner Stage 2. Laboratory studies confirmed low serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels. The patient was given exogenous testosterone supplementation with pellets and human chorionic gonadotropin to maintain testicular size. After 4 months his symptoms improved and he demonstrated signs of puberty. Our goal is to further elucidate the possible impact of methylphenidate on the male reproductive system.