Larry I. Lipshultz, MD, presented “The Green New Deal for Male Reproductive Health: Where Did We Go Wrong?” virtually during the Innovations in Urologic Practice 2020 virtual conference in September 2020.
How to cite: Lipshultz, Larry I. “The Green New Deal for Male Reproductive Health: Where Did We Go Wrong?” September 26th, 2020. Accessed Dec 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/the-green-new-deal-for-male-reproductive-health-where-did-we-go-wrong/
Summary:
Larry I. Lipshultz, MD, Professor of Urology and Chief of the Scott Department of Urology’s Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, discusses the often overlooked detrimental impact of environmental toxins on male reproductive health. He begins with a brief overview of the history of these damaging toxicants and notes that it was not until the early 90’s that a link was drawn between them and male reproductive health. Dr. Lipshultz then explores the toxicant classifications, dividing them into four main categories: Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), chemicals that have diverse actions that impair cellular function, chemicals that cause cancer, and toxins that can relay isolated and severe testicular damage. He summarizes each toxicant grouping and discusses why they are harmful. Noting that there is a debate in the scientific community between the impact of genetics and the environmental impact as it relates to testicular cancer, Dr. Lipshultz cites several important studies that have found direct links between exposure to the toxicants and increased risk for developing testicular cancer. Dr. Lipshultz then details four specific toxicants and their potential for damage: BPAs, Phthalates, Glycol ethers (solvents), and DBCP (pesticides). He explains what they are, where they are found, how they work, and their detrimental effects on male reproductive organs. In conclusion, Dr. Lipshultz reviews the results of a number of studies about these toxicants, adding that many government agencies, retailers, and manufacturers are taking steps to monitor and decrease their harmful effects.
About the Innovations in Urologic Practice 2020 virtual conference:
Presented by co-chairs Mohit Khera, MD, MBA, MPH, and Michael Coburn, MD, FACS, the Innovations in Urologic Practice conference provides a detailed review and commentary on multiple genitourinary and urologic diseases. Among the featured oncological topics are bladder cancer and immunotherapies, as well as upper tract cancer management, prostate cancer, including state-of-the-art imaging, focal therapy, and MRI. Experts also discuss new tools and techniques for nephrectomy and treating advanced renal cell carcinoma. In terms of general urological approaches, the conference also includes pelvic reconstruction and trauma, men’s health topics like male infertility and sexual dysfunction, and ways to diagnose and treat infections in the urology patient. Dr. Lipshultz presented this talk virtually at this year’s conference.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Larry I. Lipshultz, MD, is Professor of Urology and Chief of the Scott Department of Urology’s Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Lipshultz, who holds the Smith Chair in Reproductive Medicine, is a well-known authority on abnormalities of male reproduction, erectile dysfunction, and male hormone therapy. He has published more than 390 journal articles and has instituted a fellowship training program in male reproductive medicine and surgery that has trained more than 80 physicians who are now in practice both here and abroad.
Dr. Lipshultz received his MD from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and completed a fellowship at the University of Texas at Houston as the first AUA research scholar. His professional interests include vasectomies and their reversal, male infertility, in vitro fertilization, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, Peyronie’s disease, and sexual wellness. He is a member of numerous medical organizations, including the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (of which he is also a former president), the American Society of Andrology, the Houston Reproductive Society, and the Houston Urological Society.
