Episode 14 | Fertility and Other F Words

In this episode of Fertility and Other F Words, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz sit down with Alex Tatem, MD to discuss one of the most talked-about topics in men’s health right now: penile girth enhancement.

Dr. Tatem is a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist specializing in men’s health, sexual medicine, and male fertility. He earned his medical degree at the Medical College of Georgia, completed his urology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine, and went on to complete fellowship training in Male Sexual and Reproductive Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, where Dr. Lipshultz had the opportunity to work alongside him.

He now practices in Indianapolis, helping lead a high-volume men’s health program focused on erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, male infertility, and complex prosthetic surgery. Beyond the clinic and operating room, Dr. Tatem is also a standout educator on social media, known for breaking down nuanced men’s health topics into clear, practical, and highly engaging content for both patients and clinicians.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Penile girth enhancement using hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers (off-label use)
• Non-surgical options for penile enlargement and how they compare to permanent procedures
• The risks and complications of permanent penile girth enhancement treatments
• How HA fillers work for increasing penile girth and improving appearance
• What patients should know before considering penile filler procedures

Key Takeaways:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are a temporary, non-surgical option for penile girth enhancement
• These fillers are FDA-approved for facial aesthetics, but are commonly used off-label for penile enhancement
• Product selection matters—viscosity, durability, and reversibility (ability to dissolve with hyaluronidase) are critical
• Injector technique and post-procedure care are essential for achieving a smooth, natural, and symmetric result
• Compared to permanent options, HA fillers offer greater safety, flexibility, and reversibility

Research Highlights (SMSNA 2025 – PhalloFILL Study)

Study overview

• 432 men treated by 28 providers using a standardized protocol
• Focus on relationship quality, intimacy, and self-confidence
• Real-world data collected via anonymous survey

Key findings

• 80% reported improved satisfaction during intimacy
• 75% reported improved partner satisfaction
• 52% reported increased frequency of intimacy
• 81% reported improved self-confidence and overall well-being

Bottom line

• Most men reported meaningful improvements beyond aesthetics, including confidence and relationships
• A small subset reported no change or worsening
• Reinforces the importance of patient selection, counseling, and setting realistic expectations

To watch content by Dr. Alex Tatem subscribe to his YouTube channel, @DrAlexTatem

Notice:

The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns.

All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is th

Episode 13 | Fertility and Other F Words

In this episode of Fertility and Other F Words, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz sit down with Rick Manuel to pull back the curtain on peptides and regenerative medicine.

Rick is one of the owners of Optimal Balance Pharmacy and the owner of Houston Regen Consultants. He works with physicians around the world, helping them implement evidence-based protocols and navigate the rapidly evolving peptide space.

In this episode, we cover:

• Rick’s journey from the supplement industry to personal training to the stem cells and compounding pharmacy world
• Concerns and real-world issues with SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators)
• The logistical challenges of conducting clinical research in this space
• Side effects seen in clinical practice with certain peptides
• Behind-the-scenes look at peptide sourcing, including:
  • FDA-registered facilities in other countries
  • The “Green List”
  • What proper due diligence actually looks like
  • Method suitability testing and sterility testing
  • Potency and quality control testing

Key Takeaways:

• There is very limited high-quality research on the safety and effectiveness of many peptides
• That said, real-world clinical experience treating hundreds of patients suggests there may be a role for peptides in select individuals with specific goals
• When sourced from reputable compounding pharmacies and used with appropriate oversight, peptides appear to be generally well tolerated

To learn more about Optimal Balance Pharmacy, check out https://obprx.com/

Notice:

The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns.

All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is the property of PODCAST WITH DRS. AMY AND LARRY LLC.

Listeners and viewers may not use, distribute, re-distribute, reproduce, alter, or edit any portion of this content without the express written permission of the webcast owners.

The views and opinions expressed in this webcast are those of Drs. Amy Pearlman and Larry Lipshultz and do not reflect the official positions or responsibilities of Prime Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, or any affiliated institutions.

Episode 12 | Fertility and Other F Words

In this episode of Fertility and Other F Words, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz sit down with Gabrielle Lyon—a healthcare disruptor reshaping how we think about muscle, strength, and longevity. A board-certified physician, bestselling author, host of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, and founder of Strong Medical, Dr. Lyon brings a fresh, evidence-based perspective to modern health. With training in family medicine and fellowship experience in nutritional and geriatric medicine, she has pioneered a muscle-centric approach that challenges conventional thinking. Her message is simple but powerful: muscle isn’t just about how you look—it’s a critical driver of metabolic health, resilience, and long-term survival.

In this episode, we cover:

• The newly released dietary guidelines—and what they actually mean in real life
• How these guidelines could impact institutional food systems like schools and nursing homes
• The politics of food: where science ends and policy, lobbying, and influence begin
• The myth that eating healthy is always more expensive—and what the data really shows
• How her research on muscle mass and brain aging reshaped her entire philosophy on health

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods
• With the release of new dietary guidelines and updates to the food pyramid, there’s still a need for more nuanced research on saturated fats and individual carbohydrate tolerance
• Muscle health is central to overall health: her work in body composition and brain aging led to the foundation of muscle-centric medicine
• Resistance training is non-negotiable—it’s one of the most powerful tools for longevity and metabolic health
• The real concern isn’t just obesity—it’s the rise of sarcopenic obesity, where low muscle mass and high fat mass coexist
• Her book Forever Strong reframes muscle as an essential organ and serves as both a scientific and nutrition manifesto for building long-term health

To learn more about Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, check out the following resources

YouTube @DrGabrielleLyon

The Forever Strong™ PLAYBOOK: A Six-Week, Science-Based Plan to Sharpen Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body, and Get Healthy at Any Age available on Amazon

Notice:

The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns.

All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is the property of PODCAST WITH DRS. AMY AND LARRY LLC.

Listeners and viewers may not use, distribute, re-distribute, reproduce, alter, or edit any portion of this content without the express written permission of the webcast owners.

The views and opinions expressed in this webcast are those of Drs. Amy Pearlman and Larry Lipshultz and do not reflect the official positions or responsibilities of Prime Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, or any affiliated institutions.

Episode 11 | Fertility and Other F Words

In this episode of Fertility and Other F Words, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz sit down with Dr. Michelle Pearlman for a nuanced conversation on nutrition, gut health, and metabolic optimization.

Dr. Michelle Pearlman is board-certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and obesity medicine, with a clinical focus on metabolic health, nutrition, and the gut microbiome. She completed her training at Wake Forest, UC San Diego, and UT Southwestern, and previously directed the Medical Weight Management Program at the University of Miami.

Known for breaking down complex science into clear, actionable strategies, Dr. Pearlman shares evidence-based insights you can actually apply to your daily life, whether you're looking to improve gut health, optimize metabolism, or better understand the connection between nutrition and overall wellness.

And full disclosure- she’s also Dr. Amy Pearlman’s twin sister, which makes this episode a little more personal, a lot more fun, and packed with real talk you won’t hear anywhere else.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the devil is in the details when it comes to nutrition, tailoring choices to your goals, including sauces, seasonings, food prep, and artificial sweeteners
• How to read and interpret ingredient lists on nutrition labels (and what to actually pay attention to)
• The role of key macronutrients, especially protein and fiber, in overall health and satiety
• How certain ingredients, like diet products and gums, can impact GI symptoms and gut health
• Why nutrition is the foundation of gut health and overall well-being
• The evolution of weight loss medications

Key Takeaways

• “Natural flavors” on an ingredient list are not a marker of health or quality, they’re simply processed flavor additives derived from natural sources
• There is no one-size-fits-all macronutrient ratio, avoid chasing “perfect” macros
• Focus on whole foods: if you can recognize and identify the ingredients, you’re making better choices
• The more you prepare your own meals, the more control you have over your nutrition
• Upgrade your snacks: choose roasted lentils, edamame, and chickpeas for added protein and fiber
• You’ll feel fuller longer eating your calories rather than drinking them
• Fiber is essential for gut health and supports a diverse, healthy microbiome
• What you feed your gut throughout the day directly shapes your microbiome
• Food prep and even food order can impact blood sugar, digestion, and satiety
• A Mediterranean-style nutrition pattern is a strong, evidence-based approach for both athletes and non-athletes
• Hitting your protein targets is critical, especially for individuals on GLP-1 receptor agonists to help preserve lean mass

To learn more about GI health, nutrition, and high-protein, high-fiber options made with minimal ingredients and low added sugar, visit https://bytemd.app and be sure to check out the convenient Shop page for curated recommendations.

Notice:

The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns.

All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is the pr

Episode 10 | Fertility and Other F Words

In this episode of Fertility and Other F Words, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz sit down with Mohit Kherafor a candid, practical discussion on testosterone and erectile function.

Dr. Khera is a board-certified urologist at Baylor College of Medicine, where he holds the F. Brantley Scott Chair in Urology and directs the Laboratory for Andrology Research. His training includes Vanderbilt University, Boston University (MBA/MPH), the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (MD), residency at Baylor, and fellowship training in Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery.

A national leader in men’s health and sexual medicine, Dr. Khera has served on American Urological Association guideline panels, led multiple FDA-approved clinical trials, and most recently was President of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America.

In this episode, we cover
• Why testosterone is a powerful marker of a man’s current and future health
• What the science really says about testosterone, aging, and prostate cancer
• How lifestyle changes can improve testosterone, sexual function, and overall wellbeing

Key takeaways
• Testosterone has benefits far beyond simply restoring levels to the normal range
• Testosterone is a strong indicator of a man’s overall health now and in the future
• Low testosterone increases risk for heart disease and osteoporosis and is associated with mood changes and metabolic syndrome
• Emerging evidence suggests intermittent high-dose testosterone may benefit select men with prostate cancer
• Declining testosterone is more closely linked to increasing comorbidities than to aging alone
• Testosterone does not cause prostate cancer
• Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction can meaningfully improve testosterone levels and sexual function
• Improving sexual health through lifestyle changes often serves as a gateway to improving overall health

Notice:

The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns.

All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is the property of PODCAST WITH DRS. AMY AND LARRY LLC.

Listeners and viewers may not use, distribute, re-distribute, reproduce, alter, or edit any portion of this content without the express written permission of the webcast owners.

The views and opinions expressed in this webcast are those of Drs. Amy Pearlman and Larry Lipshultz and do not reflect the official positions or responsibilities of Prime Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, or any affiliated institutions.

Episode 9 | Fertility and Other F Words

In this episode of Fertility and Other F Words, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz are joined by the incredible Dr. Lenaine Westney for an honest, practical conversation about urinary leakage (incontinence) and the treatment options that can truly change patients’ lives.

Dr. Westney is a Professor of Urology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and the Director of the Fellowship in Urinary Tract & Pelvic Reconstruction. She specializes in caring for patients with urinary symptoms after complex pelvic surgeries and cancer treatments. She’s also a true trailblazer—one of only a few African-American female full professors of urology in the U.S.—and a nationally recognized voice in both surgical innovation and diversity in academic medicine.

In this episode, we cover:

• Common causes of urinary leakage in men and women
• How cancer treatments and pelvic surgeries can affect bladder control
• Surgical and non-surgical treatment options for incontinence

Key takeaways:

• There are multiple effective solutions for bothersome urinary symptoms, including leakage.
• For men with stress urinary incontinence—most commonly after prostate cancer surgery and sometimes radiation—options include a male sling or an artificial urinary sphincter.
• Managing expectations is critical: these procedures may not make every patient completely dry, but they often lead to major reductions in pad or diaper use.
• For the right patients, treatment can be life-changing—restoring confidence, independence, and the ability to enjoy daily activities again.

To learn more about incontinence treatment options, visit:
👉 https://www.fixincontinence.com/us/en/home.html

To find a pelvic physical therapist near you, check out this provider locator:

https://pelvicrehab.com/

Notice:

The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns.

All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is the property of PODCAST WITH DRS. AMY AND LARRY LLC.

Listeners and viewers may not use, distribute, re-distribute, reproduce, alter, or edit any portion of this content without the express written permission of the webcast owners.

The views and opinions expressed in this webcast are those of Drs. Amy Pearlman and Larry Lipshultz and do not reflect the official positions or responsibilities of Prime Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, or any affiliated institutions.

In this exciting episode of Fertility and Other F Words, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz are joined by two leaders in male reproductive medicine: Dr. Blair T. Stocks and Dr. Taylor Kohn.

Dr. Stocks and Kohn are Assistant Professors of Urology in the Division of Male Reproductive Medicine and Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Both specialize in the evaluation and treatment of men presenting with infertility.

Together, we walk through what a thorough male fertility evaluation actually looks like—from history and physical exam to lab work and imaging—and discuss cutting-edge research and innovative techniques being used to better understand why some men present with infertility and how sperm may still be found in men who’ve been told they have none.

This episode dives deep into:

• How male fertility is evaluated in real clinical practice
• Why lab work and semen analysis interpretation require true infertility expertise
• What azoospermia really means—and why it doesn’t always mean “no options”
• Emerging technologies helping specialists find sperm with greater precision

Key Takeaways

• Semen analysis is an important metric of a man’s health
• At-home semen analysis testing can be used as a screening tool
• In-office semen analysis and hormonal blood work are core parts of the evaluation and blood work may include:
  • Total testosterone
  • Free testosterone
  • FSH
  • LH
  • Inhibin B
  • Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
  • 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH progesterone)
  • Prolactin
  • Estradiol
• Interpretation of semen analysis and lab results should be done by an expert in male infertility
• Men told they have azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate) may still have additional options
• There are currently no FDA-approved medications for male infertility
• A healthy lifestyle—nutrition, movement, and overall wellness—matters for sperm health

Innovative Research Highlighted

• Dr. Taylor Kohn is using high-frequency ultrasound to identify areas of the testicle more likely to contain sperm by visualizing dilated seminiferous tubules—helping guide sperm extraction procedures with greater precision and potentially less invasiveness.
• Dr. Blair Stocks is using flow cytometry to determine whether men told they have “no sperm” truly have none, allowing rapid identification of rare sperm cells that may otherwise be missed.

If you care about male fertility, reproductive health, or understanding what options truly exist—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Notice:

The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns.

All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is the property of PODCAST WITH DRS. AMY AND LARRY LLC.

Listeners and viewers may not use, distribute, re-distribute, reproduce, alter, or edit any portion of this content without the express written permission of the webcast owners.

The views and opinions expressed in this webcast are those of Drs. Amy Pearlman and Larry Lipshultz and do not reflect the official positions or responsibilities of Prime Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, or any affiliated institutions.

In this powerful and candid episode, Dr. Amy Pearlman and Dr. Larry Lipshultz are joined by John, one of Dr. Lipshultz’s patients, for an unfiltered conversation about life before and after inflatable penile implant surgery.

John walks listeners through his journey with erectile dysfunction, from medical therapies to the emotional toll ED took on his confidence and relationships. He shares what ultimately led him to choose penile implant surgery, what recovery and adaptation were really like, and how dating (and talking with potential partners) has evolved since his implant. The discussion is honest, vulnerable, and deeply human, offering insight rarely heard outside the exam room.

This episode sheds light on what it truly means to live and thrive with a penile implant, emphasizing autonomy, communication, and sexual confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• Erectile dysfunction can be treated through a wide range of options, including lifestyle optimization (nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress reduction), oral medications, vacuum erection devices, erection rings, penile injections, and penile implant surgery.
• Penile implant surgery is associated with high patient and partner satisfaction rates.
• Open, transparent communication with partners can be empowering and often leads to positive, curious, and fulfilling sexual experiences, especially when partners understand the benefits of an implant.

Curious to learn more about penile implants? Visit EDCure at https://www.edcure.com

Notice:

The Fertility and Other F Words webcast and YouTube channel are intended for general informational purposes only. They do not constitute the practice of medicine nor do they provide medical advice or create a doctor–patient relationship. Use of the information provided through this webcast, YouTube channel, or any linked materials is at the listener’s/viewer’s own risk. The content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners/viewers should never disregard or delay seeking medical advice for any health condition and are strongly encouraged to consult their own qualified health care professional with any questions or concerns.

All content from the Fertility and Other F Words webcast is the property of PODCAST WITH DRS. AMY AND LARRY LLC.

Listeners and viewers may not use, distribute, re-distribute, reproduce, alter, or edit any portion of this content without the express written permission of the webcast owners.

The views and opinions expressed in this webcast are those of Drs. Amy Pearlman and Larry Lipshultz and do not reflect the official positions or responsibilities of Prime Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, or any affiliated institutions.