Measuring Men's Testosterone Levels
Have you had your testosterone checked lately?
Testosterone levels naturally decline as a man gets older. As a result, he might feel run down, depressed, or irritable. He might also lose some of his enthusiasm for sex.
When a man has these symptoms, his doctor might order a testosterone test. In our latest blog post, we answer some common questions about testosterone testing, including:
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What is testosterone?
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How is testosterone classified ("bound" and "free")?
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Why might a doctor order a testosterone test?
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What is the test like?
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What do the results mean?
Click here to learn more about the testosterone test. And if you think you might have low testosterone, be sure to see your doctor for a complete checkup.
Scientists Grow New Vaginas in the Lab
Girls born with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome - the absence of a fully-developed vagina - might have a new treatment option in the future.
Scientists have developed a method for growing a new vagina from a girl's own genital tissue.
Cells are cultured and allowed to grow for five to six weeks. Then, scientists attach the cells to a vagina-shaped scaffold that has been custom-made for the girl's body. Next, the scaffolds are surgically implanted. Over time, the scaffolds mesh with natural tissue.
A study published earlier this spring in The Lancet reported on four girls (now young women) who underwent this treatment. After an average follow-up time of eight years, the new vaginas were functioning well. The women's scores on sexual health assessments were in the normal range and the women had no pain with intercourse.
More research is needed, but the scientists were encouraged by their results. Please click here for more details.
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