Archives of Men's Health

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency represents a significant public health concern associated with various acute and chronic diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may influence iron metabolism and erythropoiesis through multiple pathways. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status, gender differences, and hematological parameters in an Iranian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 275 participants (95 men, 180 women) aged 18-70 years. Exclusion criteria comprised chronic diseases, malignancies, and use of iron/vitamin D supplements. Comprehensive hematological and biochemical analyses were performed using standardized methods, including HPLC for vitamin D quantification. Results: Mean vitamin D levels were significantly lower in men compared to women (26.53 ± 11.14 vs 30.51 ± 14.43 nmol/L). Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in men (63.4%) than in women (50%). A paradoxical inverse relationship was observed between vitamin D status and hemoglobin levels, with deficient individuals showing higher hemoglobin concentrations (13.68 ± 1.53 vs 13.19 ± 0.62 g/dL). No significant associations were found between vitamin D levels and conventional iron status markers. Conclusion: Our findings reveal a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in men compared to women, challenging conventional assumptions about gender distribution of vitamin D status. The unexpected inverse relationship between vitamin D and hemoglobin levels suggests complex physiological interactions that warrant further investigation. These results highlight vitamin D deficiency as an emerging concern in men's health that requires greater clinical attention.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) remain one of the most prevalent infectious diseases worldwide, posing significant clinical and economic challenges. The formation of bacterial biofilms, particularly on indwelling urological devices, is a key factor contributing to the persistence, recurrence, and resistance of infections to conventional antibiotics. Biofilms exhibit complex architectures, altered bacterial phenotypes, and the presence of dormant “persister” cells, all of which limit drug penetration and compromise treatment efficacy. Recent advances in diagnostic approaches, including molecular assays, imaging techniques, and precision metagenomics, have led to improved detection of biofilm-associated pathogens and the ability to assess their pathogenic potential. Therapeutic innovations such as nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, biofilm-inhibiting compounds, phage therapy, microbiome modulation, and AI-driven precision medicine show promise in overcoming traditional treatment limitations. These strategies emphasize patient-specific interventions and targeted antimicrobial approaches, which are crucial for reducing recurrence, minimizing resistance, and improving clinical outcomes. Integrating biofilm research into routine clinical practice, along with fostering interdisciplinary collaboration among clinicians, microbiologists, and biomedical engineers, is essential to advance diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventive strategies for biofilm-associated urological infections.

Introduction: Flap-based reconstruction plays a pivotal role in modern urologic surgery, especially in the management of complex urethral, genital, and perineal defects. Methods: This review provides an integrated analysis of flap types, their indications, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes, with primary emphasis on regional and free flaps. Buccal mucosa grafts and inguinal flaps are discussed as complementary options, particularly in challenging or salvage cases. Results and Conclusion: A thorough understanding of tissue selection, flap design, and complication management is crucial for optimal functional and aesthetic results.

Background: Obesity has a growing global prevalence and is closely associated with impaired male reproductive health, including hormonal imbalances and subfertility. Bariatric surgery is the most effective intervention for sustained weight loss in morbidly obese individuals, but its impact on reproductive outcomes in men remains unclear. Methods: We performed a narrative review of studies published between 2005 and 2025 that examined the effects of bariatric surgery on hormonal profiles, semen quality, and fertility outcomes in men. Literature was identified through PubMed, with additional targeted searches in Embase and Cochrane. Studies were included if they evaluated male reproductive parameters before and after bariatric surgery. Results: Evidence consistently demonstrates significant increases in testosterone levels post-surgery. However, semen quality outcomes are variable, with some studies showing improvements in sperm motility and morphology, while others report reductions in semen volume and concentration, particularly after malabsorptive procedures. Data on fertility outcomes, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates, are limited and based on small sample sizes. Nutritional deficiencies are a frequent complication and may contribute to negative reproductive outcomes. Conclusion: Bariatric surgery restores hormonal balance in obese men but has heterogeneous effects on semen parameters and fertility. Long-term, large-scale studies are needed to clarify reproductive risks and optimize perioperative fertility care.