Dr. Turek's Blog

men and contraception

A Time for Thanks and Giving

Would you hold a cocktail party for a 6 year old? Well we did. Our little free-clinic-that-could turned 6 last week and we celebrated with a fundraiser at Scoma’s, the landmark seafood restaurant in Fisherman’s Wharf. Volunteers, providers, and even patients were present and all paid tribute to Clinic by the Bay. Makes a founding […]

men and contraception

The Stress-Testosterone Seesaw

Does your testosterone level go up or down with stress? Answer: down. Makes no sense, right? You’d think it would go up to help handle the onslaught of whatever it is that’s coming at you. Trust me, it doesn’t. Flooring it This is top of mind as a I prepare to talk to providers at Marin […]

men and contraception

The Trouble with Anxiety

It’s Movember. A good time to check in with your health. How are you doing? A little anxious? Can’t imagine why you’re anxious; I’m sure the current state of rush hour traffic, politics, the stock market, the economy, terrorism, war or global warming have little or nothing to do with your state of mind… Here’s […]

men and contraception

Family Planning with Vasectomy??

The case of the month is an actual patient of The Turek Clinic. They’re out there, but you must be patient and observant. And when you come upon one, it is unmistakable: the moment theory becomes fact. You play cards and you know that a royal flush is possible, but you don’t really believe it […]

men and contraception

Are You a "Computer Doctor?"

“You don’t seem to be a computer doctor…” he said to me, looking almost surprised, several minutes after our visit began. “Well, there’s a computer right in front of me and I’m tapping away at it,” I said, not sure of whether this was a good thing or bad thing. Come to think of it, […]

men and contraception

Sperm Mapping: Looks Can Be Deceiving

Ever open up the back and look inside a wristwatch? Pretty simple looking from the front, but a whole lot going on inside. And remember the cool mechanicals under the skin of the Terminator (1984) when he operates on his own injured arm? There is sophistication in simplicity. Behind the Curtain This concept is top of […]

men and contraception

Sacred Spaces

You know them when you see them, or when you’re in them. Although often hard to define, there is a firing across all sensory banks, letting you know that this place or experience is different, really different. Sacred spaces. Pages for the ages. Timeless. Rooting. Plus Ultra-More Beyond The Grand Canyon is one of those […]

men and contraception

Living the Fertile Lifestyle, Again

He’s sitting in front of me. He wants more children. The only thing getting in the way is the vasectomy he had a dozen years back. Or is it? Sure, he’ll need microsurgery to reverse it. Heck, I’m a Midas man and can fix the exhaust. But, if the engine isn’t running, well that’s a […]

men and contraception

Men’s Health and the Elephant in the Room

Name one thing that men are more uncomfortable discussing than their feelings. Anything but feelings. You’ve probably heard the line: “Men have feelings too. For instance, sometimes we feel hungry.” But alas, there is something that men may talk about even less than their feelings. How Ya’ Doin’? The esteemed Cleveland Clinic recently reported on […]

men and contraception

Vasectomy: Fessing Up to Failure

Did you hear that Texas Longhorns star quarterback Shane Buechele revealed that he was born after his dad had a vasectomy? Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon jumped on this, saying that “he was his very first quarterback sneak.” Up the Middle “What causes this?” you ask. Well, it’s complicated, and it isn’t. One reason vasectomies […]