AboutEdward Joseph Ramirez, MD, FACOG Expertise I am a specialist in infertility and advanced gynecological care. I can answer questions about infertility, gynecology related ills, menopause...virtually anything that affects women's health. PLEASE tell me where you are writing from as I am always interested.
Experience I have been practicing as an Ob/Gyn and Infertility Specialist for over 23 years. Gynecology, advanced laparoscopic surgery, basic infertility, IUI's, IVF, reproductive surgery, and ovulation induction are all areas of my expertise. I am Board Certified. I have been doing In Vitro Fertilization in my clinic for 15 years.
Organizations American College of OB/GYN, American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Society of Reproductive Medicine, Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology, American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Fellow of The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists,Resolve-National Chapter, Open Path - Northern California, Board of Directors Monterey Medical Society
Publications American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Education/Credentials Medical Degree from Stanford University, Residency at Tripler Army Medical Center, Reproductive Training at Pacific Fertility Center, San Francisco
I am a 41 year old male and my wife and I are trying to have a baby. When I was 17 years old I had the chicken pox, but I have never had the mumps. I also have asthma, and over the last 11 years I've used prednisone on and off.
Could my encounter with chicken pox at the age of 17 and/or my use of prednisone have made me sterile?
Thanks: Alex
ANSWER: Hello Alex from the U.S.,
Have you had a semen analysis checked? Chicken pox will not render a male sterile. It is different from mumps, which can affect the testicles. Steroid use can reduce sperm production if taking for a long period of time, but once it is stopped, testicular function will usually return to normal. The best way to check yourself out is to have a semen analysis done. This will reveal what your fertility potential is. 41 years old is still relatively young in a man's fertility age. Sperm production does decrease a little it mainly over 60 years old.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
QUESTION: I had heard that steriod use only affects male sperm production if it is an anabolic steriod, not if it is prednisone. But I wanted to ask you to be sure.
-Alex
Answer Hello Again,
All steroids can have anabolic properties, and therefore an affect on sperm production.
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
