Even for sperm, there is a season

(Reuters Health) -

Autumn is the time of year most associated with bumper crops of new babies, and that may be because human sperm are generally at their healthiest in winter and early spring, according to a new study from Israel.

Based on samples from more than 6,000 men treated for infertility, researchers found sperm in greater numbers, with faster swimming speeds and fewer abnormalities in semen made during the winter, with a steady decline in quality from spring onward.

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Irradiation Produces Durable Survival in Prostate Cancer

In prostate cancer, radiation therapy and radical prostatectomy produce "durable disease control."

In fact, 15-year disease-free survival rates with the 2 treatments are similar, according to a new study published in the March issue of the Journal of Urology.

However, the researchers found that prostate cancer can recur after many years. Therefore, they recommend that patients be followed for at least 15 years after their initial treatment.

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