1254: Justin Houman | Wiggling Out of the Male Fertility Crisis

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Dec 9, 2025

Dr. Justin Houman, a urologist from Cedars-Sinai, tackles critical male health issues in this engaging discussion. He dives into how male fertility serves as an early warning sign for broader health concerns like cardiovascular disease. The conversation unveils the often overlooked varicoceles and the impact of testosterone replacement therapy on fertility. Listeners learn about practical lifestyle tips to boost fertility, the implications of erectile dysfunction, and even the future of male contraception, wrapping up with a focus on health over size.

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INSIGHT

Semen As A Health Barometer

Semen quality is a window into overall health, correlating with cardiovascular, metabolic, hormonal issues, and mortality.
Low sperm counts should trigger a broader health evaluation, not just fertility workups.

ADVICE

Test And Consider Freezing Sperm

Do an at-home semen test or lab analysis if you want kids or are curious; it's inexpensive and informative.
Consider cryopreservation as an affordable insurance policy if you're delaying fatherhood.

ADVICE

Boost Fertility With Foundational Health

Improve diet, exercise (cardio plus heavy strength), sleep, and stress to boost reproductive and hormonal health.
Use targeted supplements like CoQ10, vitamin E, and ashwagandha as adjuncts, not replacements for lifestyle.

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Your fertility might be the canary in your body's coal mine. Urologist Dr. Justin Houman explains why this matters way beyond making babies.

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1254

What We Discuss with Dr. Justin Houman:

Male fertility is a diagnostic window into overall health. Low sperm counts correlate with cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, and even earlier mortality. Your reproductive system is essentially sending you a biological memo about the state of your entire body.
Varicoceles (varicose veins of the testicles) are one of the most underdiagnosed yet treatable causes of male infertility, low testosterone, and testicular pain. They cause blood to pool and overheat the testicles, and most men never know they have them because general practitioners rarely check for them during routine physicals.
TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) shuts down natural testosterone and sperm production — and once you start, you essentially can't stop. Before jumping on the TRT train, explore alternatives like addressing vitamin deficiencies, improving sleep, and using medications that stimulate natural production instead.
Erectile dysfunction isn't just a bedroom problem — it's often the first warning sign of cardiovascular disease. The same arterial issues that cause heart attacks show up in penile blood flow first, making your erection quality a surprisingly accurate early warning system for your heart health.
The foundations of long-term hormonal and sexual health are remarkably simple: consistent strength training, quality sleep, stress management, and whole foods. Starting in your twenties and thirties, these habits build the infrastructure that keeps your systems running smoothly for decades to come.
And much more...

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