El factor Y Blog

Low Testosterone Treatment: Natural Enhancement vs. Synthetic Replacement

Before starting treatment for low testosterone, men must understand that synthetic Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) significantly damages fertility and creates medication dependency, making a comprehensive evaluation by a urologist, who prioritizes natural testosterone stimulation, essential.

Low Serum Testosterone Levels are associated with Increases in Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers

Citing AUA-presented research, The Y Factor's programs are designed to eliminate the need for high-risk testosterone shots and maintain testosterone levels within the safe, normal range, thereby minimizing cardiovascular (CV) risk associated with both very low (<250 ng/dl) and very high (≥1,000 ng/dl) levels.

Metabolic syndrome solution on the rise in men!

Recognizing that Metabolic Syndrome (a cluster of five risk factors including large waist size, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar) affects over a third of US adults, The Y Factor focuses on correcting the underlying problem by identifying and treating low testosterone and excessive estrogen to prevent serious long-term health and sexual dysfunction issues.

Erectile Dysfunction Linked to Low Vitamin D

The Y Factor treats Erectile Dysfunction by focusing on the underlying vascular health, recognizing that low Vitamin D is associated with poor blood flow conditions like endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, providing a comprehensive solution beyond symptom-treating medications.

Achieving Pregnancy Through Vasectomy Reversal

The key difference between post-vasectomy fertility options is that vasectomy reversal allows for natural conception, while sperm retrieval must be coupled with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) to achieve pregnancy.

Dr. Williams Speaks at the Convenient Care Conference

Dr. Williams lectured at the national Future of Convenient Care Conference, urging clinics (like MinuteClinic and Walgreens) to adopt specialized urological protocols to diagnose and treat common male health issues (Low T, ED, prostate problems) and stress the importance of annual wellness checks starting at age 20.

Sons born with fertility treatment ‘inherit problems’

Given research showing that men conceived via ICSI (Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) have significantly lower sperm concentration and motility than naturally conceived men, The Y Factor stresses the importance of identifying and treating the underlying cause of male infertility to counsel couples on the risk of passing the condition to the next generation.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need To Know

Men over 50 should expect a prostate cancer screening that includes a medical history, comprehensive physical exam, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test to assess risk, and if necessary, a definitive prostate biopsy.

Prostate Cancer & Preventative Screenings For Men Under 50

Prostate cancer screening is crucial for men over 50 and recommended earlier for those with a family history, as the disease is often silent, making regular annual wellness exams (starting at age 20) essential for early detection.

The Common Desire and Hesitation of Vasectomies

The Y Factor offers a no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy that is a safe, effective, 10-minute in-office procedure with minimal discomfort, allowing patients to return to work within 24−36 hours.

Dr. Tristan Grimaldo, Teaching Men’s Urological Wellness at TWU

To combat the widespread lack of men's health training in nursing schools, The Y Factor is now the exclusive urologic training site for Texas Woman's University Nurse Practitioner students, ensuring future providers have expertise in areas like male fertility, sexual dysfunction, and prostate cancer screening.

TYF’s No-Scalpel, No-Needle Vasectomy: Our Less Invasive, Less Painful Approach

The no-scalpel, no-needle vasectomy is a 99.6% effective, 10-minute, minimally invasive procedure with minimal pain and quick recovery that overcomes common anxieties, offering a superior and affordable form of permanent birth control.

Men’s Health Gap

Men's health is globally neglected, resulting in earlier mortality due to a lack of specialized, early-life reproductive and sexual health screening—a disparity highlighted by the routine OB/GYN care women receive versus the generalized care men often receive from a primary care physician.

Testosterone Treatment Done Right

The Y Factor offers advanced, individualized testosterone treatment focused on safely optimizing the entire hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis to achieve patient-specific goals (energy, fertility, sexual performance) while actively monitoring and preventing potential side effects like polycythemia and gynecomastia.

Fertility after Exogenous Testosterone Treatment

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) induces infertility by causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and sperm suppression (oligo- or azoospermia); while fertility often recovers spontaneously upon cessation, specialist evaluation is crucial to manage complex cases, guide recovery, and treat underlying factors like varicocele or infection.

How The Y Factor provides premium urological care for men by finding the core cause of urological issues

In men's health, applying Plato's principle means avoiding quick-fix treatments that only address symptoms (like ED or low T) and instead prioritizing a comprehensive diagnosis by an expert urologist to assess the whole body system and mitigate long-term health risks.

Signs of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone (Low T) is a common condition, especially in older men, manifesting as decreased sex drive, difficulty achieving erections, loss of muscle/bone mass, increased body fat, fatigue, and mood/memory issues.

How Penile Lesions Can Cause Cancer

Penile lesions, often caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), must be removed because men are carriers of the virus strongly associated with cervical cancer and other malignancies, necessitating subsequent screening for partners and, if eligible, vaccination.

What Young Men Should Know About Testicular Cancer

Any sudden growth or mass causing testicular discomfort must be immediately evaluated for testicular cancer—the most common malignancy in young men—as early diagnosis and primary treatment via orchiectomy offer high curability rates.

Celebrating your freedom from birth control!

The no-scalpel vasectomy is the superior, permanent male sterilization option, offering a safer, quicker (15-minute), and more cost-effective alternative to female surgical sterilization (tubal ligation) and eliminating the risks associated with hormonal birth control and condoms.

What Should I Do When I Have Pains Below the Belt?

Genital pain (painful urination, penile, or testicular pain) should be promptly evaluated by a urologist, as a comprehensive history and physical exam are crucial to accurately diagnose the source and rule out conditions with serious future implications.

Cryptorchidism in Post Pubertal Men

Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles) in post-pubertal males significantly increases the risk of testicular cancer and may impair sperm production; surgical removal (orchiectomy) is often recommended over orchiopexy up to age 50 to mitigate cancer risk.

Why a Urological Wellness Exam Is Important For Young Men

Men aged 25-35, often wrongly assumed to be immune from urological issues, require a wellness exam to screen for testicular cancer (the leading cancer risk in this age group), fertility-damaging varicoceles, and often-asymptomatic STIs (like HPV and Herpes).

How Ancient Egyptian History Impacts The Y Factor’s Care for You

Optimal male health is significantly controlled by the P450 enzyme system, particularly the aromatase enzyme (CYP19A1), which regulates the critical testosterone-to-estrogen ratio, and treating its excess activity can improve weight, fertility, and overall wellness.

Planning Your End-of-Year Vasectomy and Other Visits

Take advantage of met deductibles before the year ends to prioritize men's health procedures and visits, including the no-scalpel vasectomy, comprehensive fertility evaluations, and general male wellness exams.

Men’s Health Awareness Month is Here!

November is Men's Health Awareness Month (Movember), which is the perfect time to get a comprehensive Urological Wellness Exam to screen for prostate/testicular cancer and evaluate overall voiding, reproductive, and sexual health.

How Bladder Cancer Impacts Men

Bladder cancer is a tumor in the bladder lining, with painless gross hematuria as the primary symptom (present in over 80% of cases), and is primarily linked to smoking and increasing age.

When Should Men Get Prostate Cancer Screenings?

The prostate gland, which can cause symptoms like burning or urgency with urination, requires proactive screening for prostate cancer starting as early as age 40, especially given its "silent" nature, using advanced molecular blood and urine tests.

How Penile Shockwave Therapy can help treat Erectile Dysfunction

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) is a promising, non-drug ultrasound treatment for vasculogenic Erectile Dysfunction (ED) that stimulates new blood vessel growth in the penis, resulting in significantly improved, long-lasting erectile function in most men with mild to moderate ED.

The Importance of Examining the male’s fertility before trying IVF

Before pursuing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), men must undergo a concurrent fertility assessment, including a physical exam by a male reproductive expert (urologist), to identify and treat male factors that influence both natural and assisted conception success.

Men Get Urinary Tract Infections too!

UTIs in men, which rarely occur before age 50 and are typically considered complicated, involve bacterial inflammation of the urinary tract, often resulting from impaired urine flow (due to issues like an enlarged prostate) and presenting with symptoms like dysuria, frequency, and potential flank or pubic pain.

How Bacteria in the Prostate Can Impact Fertility

Prostatitis (bacterial infection/inflammation of the prostate) can silently contribute to male infertility by severely damaging sperm shape, motility, and DNA integrity, necessitating a targeted antibiotic regimen based on semen evaluation.

Signs that You Need to See a Urologist

It is essential to consult a urologist for recurrent UTIs, blood in the urine (a cancer warning sign), unexplained pelvic pain, suspected kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, fertility concerns, and changes in the prostate or PSA level.

Sperm Stress and Male Infertility

Sperm DNA Fragmentation (SDF), a severe impact of oxidative stress that traditional semen analysis often misses, is a major cause of male infertility and poor ART outcomes, linked to conditions like varicocele, advanced age, and chronic illness.

When Men Lose Libido

Decreased male libido can be a sign of significant sexual dysfunction, often caused by declining testosterone, but correctable factors like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and nocturia (waking up to urinate) should be treated first to restore sexual drive.

Synthetic Testosterone’s Effect on Fertility

Synthetic testosterone (Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT), while FDA-approved for symptoms like low libido, is a strong contraceptive that can cause temporary and potentially permanent fertility damage by suppressing sperm production, leading to azoospermia.

Our Approach to Male Fatigue

Male fatigue is often caused by correctable issues like hormone imbalance, sleep apnea, thyroid/adrenal dysfunction, anemia (low B12), and metabolic disorders, all of which require a comprehensive evaluation.

How The Y Factor Can Help with Obstructive Uropathy

Urinary tract obstruction (obstructive uropathy), commonly caused by kidney stones (upper tract) or an enlarged prostate (lower tract), requires immediate urological evaluation—especially if accompanied by fever or complete inability to void—to prevent kidney damage.

Signs of Low testosterone

Low Testosterone ("Low T") is defined as levels below 300 ng/dL and manifests through 12 diverse symptoms, primarily impacting sexual function (libido, erection, semen volume), body composition (muscle/fat/bone mass), and mood/cognition.

Prostate Conditions Men of All Ages Should Know About

The prostate is susceptible to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), painful Prostatitis, and Prostate Cancer, all of which can be diagnosed through physical exams, PSA testing, and advanced molecular tests.

What is the Effect of Sleep Apnea on Men’s Health?

Sleep apnea significantly harms men's urological health by causing Erectile Dysfunction (ED) through reduced testosterone and nitric oxide, worsening Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), and lowering overall testosterone levels due to interrupted sleep cycles.

What is Hematospermia?

Hematospermia (blood in the semen) is typically caused by infection/inflammation and often resolves spontaneously, but if persistent or if the patient is over 40, a thorough urological workup is required to exclude serious causes like cancer, cysts, or systemic disease.

How obstructive sleep apnea may negatively affect male fertility.

Emerging research indicates that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) contributes to male infertility by causing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, leading to sperm DNA fragmentation and decreased sperm quality, especially in younger, untreated men.

Did you fail your DOT Urine Analysis test? We can help!

If you failed your DOT or FAA physical due to hematuria (blood in the urine), The Y Factor's urology specialists can quickly identify the root cause (stones, infection, or cancer) and provide the necessary medical clearance to get you back to work.

There’s blood in my urine, what should I do?

Blood in the urine (microscopic hematuria) requires prompt, thorough urological investigation, including specialized urine tests and imaging, to rule out serious conditions like bladder cancer, even though it is most often benign.

The Silent Testicular Enemy

Varicoceles are varicose veins in the scrotum that increase testicular temperature, causing decreased testosterone and abnormal sperm, which can be effectively treated with a surgical Varicocelectomy with up to 80% functional improvement.

The Summer Body Struggle

Stubborn midsection fat is often linked to treatable medical conditions like low testosterone, which affects muscle mass and heart health; hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism; and sleep apnea, which disrupts appetite-regulating hormones.

What Age Should Men Get Prostate Cancer Screenings?

Given the recent rise in advanced prostate cancer diagnoses, The Y Factor urges all men aged 40–70 to get an annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE), with high-risk men starting at age 40.

What Doctor Should You See for Male Infertility?

A man with an abnormal semen analysis should be evaluated by a male reproductive expert, specifically a Reproductive Urologist (RU), to thoroughly investigate and treat male-factor infertility, which accounts for 50% of fertility issues.

Things That Decrease Sperm Count

Low sperm count (fewer than 15 million sperm/mL) and sexual dysfunction are often linked to complex underlying issues—from hormonal imbalances to lifestyle choices—requiring specialist evaluation for proper treatment.

How to Prepare for your Vasectomy

Proper preparation for a vasectomy includes consulting a doctor, discussing with a partner, taking time off, arranging for pain relief, wearing loose clothing, and stopping blood thinners to ensure a safe procedure and recovery.

Fertility After a Vasectomy

While a vasectomy is a quick, highly effective form of permanent birth control, a vasectomy reversal is a costly, complex microsurgery with a lower success rate for natural conception, underscoring the need to view vasectomy as permanent.

What The Condyloma?

Men should promptly treat painless genital warts (condyloma) caused by the common STD, HPV, because although the virus poses little risk to men, it is a primary cause of cervical cancer in female partners.

What is the best source of sperm for IVF?

For men with very low or poor quality ejaculated sperm, the best sperm source for ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) is the one with the highest quality DNA, which may be fresh ejaculated sperm, or sperm retrieved via MESA (epididymis) or TESE (testes).

Fertility After a Vasectomy

An annual urological wellness exam is crucial for men to ensure early detection and easier treatment of potential issues affecting the urinary tract, prostate, and reproductive system, even if no symptoms are present.

The Y Factor’s Thorough Approach to Treating Low Testosterone

Treating low testosterone requires careful consideration of the patient's fertility goals and medical status to choose between Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), which suppresses natural function, and Testosterone Enhancement Therapy (TET), which stimulates the body's own testosterone production.

It’s Time to be the Point Guard of your Health!

All men, especially those at risk for low testosterone and urological diseases, should schedule an annual urological wellness visit during National Men's Health Month (June) to proactively manage their health and longevity.

Normal Testosterone Levels vs Optimal Testosterone Levels

For men seeking hormone replacement for issues like low energy or sexual dysfunction, it is vital to consult a specialist like The Y Factor, as treatment should focus on safely achieving optimal hormone levels to maximize benefits, not just meeting a "normal" range.

Breast Cancer in Men

Men should be aware of breast cancer symptoms and risk factors, and seek evaluation for both cancer and the common benign condition, gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), which is often linked to hormone changes.

Ways To Keep Your Sperm Healthy

To combat declining sperm counts and sexual dysfunction, men can implement easy lifestyle changes, but should consult a specialist like The Y Factor if issues persist, as male factors contribute to 50% of infertility cases.

True or False? Testosterone Therapy causes Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE)

Although two high-profile studies initially raised concerns about testosterone therapy increasing Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE), subsequent analysis and a large body of evidence suggest no increased risk and potential cardiovascular benefits for men with low testosterone.

Your 2023 Goals Start Now with a Urological Wellness Exam at The Y Factor!

To get a head start on New Year's health goals, men should schedule an end-of-year wellness exam at The Y Factor to evaluate hormones and fertility and create a personalized plan to be several steps ahead by springtime.

Are your erections curving? We can help!

Peyronie's disease, a common condition caused by injury that leads to significant and often painful penile curvature, is treatable with non-surgical options at The Y Factor in accordance with American Urological guidelines.

Should I Be Worried About the Lump in my Testicle?

While most scrotal lumps are benign, a painless, hard lump on the testicle is the primary sign of potential testicular cancer, necessitating immediate professional evaluation via physical exam and scrotal ultrasound.

Low intensity Shock Wave Treatment (LiSWT) for Erectile Dysfunction

While traditional treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) remain, Low-intensity Shock Wave Treatment (LiSWT) is emerging as a promising, regenerative therapy for mild to moderate vasculogenic ED by promoting new blood vessel growth.

Why Men in Houston are Coming to The Y Factor for an Adult No-Suture Circumcision

Men in Houston are choosing the non-surgical Shang Ring Circumcision at The Y Factor for its quick recovery, no sutures, and key health benefits like preventing inflammation and reducing the risk of cancer and STDs.

When You Should get Sperm DNA Fragmentation Testing

Sperm DNA fragmentation testing is an advanced male fertility test recommended for men with varicocele, unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and IUI/IVF failures, as high fragmentation levels are linked to lower pregnancy success.

Signs of Prostate Issues

Title Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Problems in Men Meta-Description Identify key symptoms of prostate issues like frequent urination, weak flow, painful ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. Learn why early consultation with a urology-focused practice like The Y Factor is crucial for effective treatment. One-Line Summary Frequent urination, weak stream, pain during urination/ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction are common symptoms of prostate problems that necessitate early consultation with a specialist like The Y Factor.

Benefits of Weight Training for Men and How It Affects Testosterone

Weight training is essential for men as it naturally enhances testosterone, boosts metabolism, improves social status and confidence, strengthens bones and muscles, increases cognitive function, and promotes better sleep and reproductive health.

Essentials to Know About Prostate Cancer and Testosterone Therapy

To safely administer testosterone therapy, which promotes prostate cancer growth, The Y Factor uses genetic risk assessment, advanced prostate screening, and urological expertise, including prostate biopsies, to ensure the patient's well-being.

The No-Scalpel Vasectomy: Men Taking Charge of Birth Control!

Men choose a vasectomy primarily for its highly effective, non-hormonal, and cost-effective permanent contraception, which also allows for shared responsibility in family planning and provides peace of mind.

Shang Ring Circumcision: A Safe and Effective Choice for Men in Houston

The Shang Ring circumcision is a modern, non-suture technique favored for its quick procedure time, minimal invasiveness, reduced pain, and good aesthetic results across all age groups.

Why Men in Houston Should Prioritize Their Urological Health

Men should prioritize annual urological checkups at The Y Factor to ensure longevity, early detection of issues like prostate cancer and sexual dysfunction, and to address male infertility, which contributes to 50% of couples' fertility issues.

What is the SpermQT Test?

The SpermQT test is an advanced male fertility evaluation that assesses the critical DNA integrity within sperm, offering a more complete picture of a man's contribution to a couple's difficulties in achieving pregnancy compared to standard semen analysis.

Average age of men that get vasectomy

The average age for a vasectomy is dynamic and influenced less by traditional stereotypes and more by a man's personal financial stability, completed family size, and relationship dynamics.

How long does a vasectomy take

While the vasectomy surgery itself typically takes only 5–10 minutes, patients should set aside a few hours for the full process including preparation and a brief recovery period.

Average Reversal Rates for Vasectomy

Vasectomy reversal success rates, which vary from 40% to 90%, are highly dependent on the time elapsed since the original procedure, the surgeon's skill, and the female partner's fertility status.

Do You Need a Vasectomy If Your Wife is Over 50?

Couples with a wife over 50 should carefully weigh fertility risks, vasectomy benefits/risks, communication, and alternatives before deciding on permanent male sterilization.

What is a Good Age for Vasectomy?

The optimal age for a vasectomy is a personal choice based on individual circumstances, family planning completion, relationship stability, and financial preparedness.

The Link Between Lifestyle Choices and Male Urological Health

Your lifestyle choices directly shape your urological health—The Y Factor explains how nutrition, exercise, and habits can protect your urinary and reproductive wellness.

How Effective is a Vasectomy for Birth Control?

The Y Factor provides expert vasectomy consultations in Houston, helping men make informed, confident decisions about permanent birth control.

Surgical Vs. Non-Surgical Treatment of Phimosis

The Y Factor provides safe, effective treatment for phimosis using advanced non-surgical methods like the Shang Ring circumcision.

Why Men Need to be Aware of HPV

The Y Factor helps men detect and treat HPV-related conditions early with expert urological screening and care in Houston.

What We Learned from AUA24!

The Y Factor reviews breakthrough updates from the 2025 AUA convention to enhance men’s health, fertility, and urological care in Houston.

Why Houston Couples Need to Visit The Y Factor Before IVF

The Y Factor specializes in advanced male fertility care, helping men overcome zero sperm and DNA issues for better IVF outcomes.

Predicting a Successful Sperm Retrieval

The Y Factor helps men improve fertility outcomes with advanced sperm retrieval guided by key clinical indicators.

Are You Enlarging Your Prostate While on Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

The Y Factor guides men on TRT with expert care for prostate health, managing urinary issues while exploring natural testosterone solutions.

Why Men in Houston Should Get Back-to-School Urological Physicals

The Y Factor offers expert men’s urological care including low testosterone, sexual health, vasectomy, and groin pain solutions with convenient, same-week appointments.

Improve Sperm Production Before Sperm Retrieval!

The Y Factor helps men boost fertility with advanced sperm retrieval procedures, hormone care, and surgical treatments for better outcomes.

How Sexual Function is Impacted by Low-Risk Prostate Cancer

The Y Factor supports men with low-risk prostate cancer through active surveillance to ensure early detection and better outcomes.

Take this quiz if you’re dealing with male urination issues in Houston

Assess your male urination symptoms with a quick quiz and find out if you should schedule a consultation with Houston’s urology experts at The Y Factor.