You may have heard more people talking about GLP-1 medicines lately. Here’s what they are and what to know.

What is a GLP-1?

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone your body naturally makes to help lower blood sugar. GLP-1 medicines mimic this hormone and have been used to help lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Some have been approved to treat obesity as well.

Below is a list of commonly prescribed GLP-1s and their FDA-approved uses:

*Tirzepatide acts on more than one hormone receptor, including the GLP-1 hormone.

When GLP-1s may be considered

GLP-1s were originally developed to help treat type 2 diabetes. Some are also approved to treat obesity in people who meet certain medical criteria:

• Obesity (having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher)
  OR
• Overweight (having a BMI of 27 or higher) with a weight-related health issue such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes

Research has found some GLP-1s may help reduce the risk of:

• Heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
• Chronic kidney disease

In addition, some GLP-1s have been approved to treat moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

How do GLP-1s work?

GLP-1s help manage blood sugar in a few ways. For example, they:

• Help the body make more insulin in response to high blood sugar. (Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar.)
• Help the body regulate how much sugar is made and released.
• Slow digestion, which steadies the amount of sugar released from food into the body after eating.

GLP-1s also work on parts of the brain that process hunger and how full you feel. As a result, GLP-1s have been shown to lower hunger, appetite, and food intake.

What results can I expect?

While GLP-1s can help, they are meant to be used with a healthy eating plan and regular exercise. Together, you and your healthcare provider will determine a treatment plan that works best for you.

Studies show that many people taking a GLP-1 lose about 10% to 15% of their body weight over several months. (For a 200-pound person, that means losing about 20 to 30 pounds.) Some people may lose up to 20%, but results vary based on a number of factors.

GLP-1s are not a magic bullet for weight loss and blood sugar management, and some people may regain weight after they stop taking GLP-1s. Building healthy habits around eating, physical activity, and stress management can help keep your progress going.

Nutrition

Because GLP-1s can change appetite and eating patterns, working with a registered dietitian or healthcare provider can help ensure you are getting enough nutrients, maintaining stable energy levels, and building habits that support long-term health.

These habits become especially important when the medicine is paused, tapered, or stopped, since hunger cues and appetite may change.

How long do people take GLP-1s?

People use GLP-1s for different lengths of time.

• Some people with type 2 diabetes may use them long-term to help manage blood sugar.
• For others, the length of treatment can depend on factors like how well the medicine works, side effects, cost, and personal health goals.

The dose may need to be adjusted during treatment, and some may pause or slowly taper off the medicine at different points. Your healthcare provider will guide you through any dose changes or help you taper off the medicine.

Side effects and considerations

Some of the commonly reported side effects of GLP-1s may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain

If symptoms are severe or don’t go away, talk to your healthcare provider.

GLP-1 medications may not be right for everyone. As with any medicine, GLP-1s come with potential risks. A healthcare provider can help assess whether these medicines are right for you based on your health history, current conditions, and overall treatment goals.

It is important to note: GLP-1s are not recommended during pregnancy. If you’re planning to conceive, discuss timing with your healthcare provider.

GLP-1s and insurance coverage

Coverage for GLP-1s varies widely across health plans. These medicines can be expensive (sometimes over $1,000 a month). Often, they’re only covered if they are prescribed for an FDA-approved use, such as type 2 diabetes or obesity that meets certain criteria.

To understand what your plan includes, you can:

• Review your insurance formulary (the list of covered medicines)
• Call your health plan to ask about coverage requirements, prior authorizations, or eligibility criteria

Be sure to ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist any questions you have. Your Progyny Care Advocate is also available to help you prepare for conversations with your healthcare team.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

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Male infertility is common, and it can be stressful. Fortunately, treatments are available. Working with a reproductive urologist (a doctor who specializes in male fertility and sexual health) may be an important step in your fertility journey.  

Let’s go over why you may seek out a reproductive urologist and talk about what to expect with your first visit. 

Causes of male infertility 

Infertility is often due to sperm-related issues: 

• Low sperm count 

• Low sperm movement  

• Sperm that is not the typical size or shape 

These issues may be caused by: 

• Structural issues such as a varicocele (swollen vein in the testicle) or blockages within tubes that carry sperm 

• Hormone issues affecting sperm production 

• Medical conditions including obesity, diabetes, and an undescended testicle 

• Genetic conditions including Klinefelter’s syndrome and cystic fibrosis 

• Environmental factors such as substance use, chemotherapy, and radiation 

When to see a reproductive urologist 

Often, infertility doesn’t have signs or symptoms that you can feel or see. Other times, you may have problems with sexual function, pain or swelling in the testicle, breast growth, or less facial or body hair than expected.  

People may see a specialist if they have had: 

• Trouble conceiving after trying for 1 year 

• Pregnancy loss 

• An infertility diagnosis (or think they may have one) 

• Cancer treatments 

What to expect during your first visit 

Your doctor will talk with you about your goals, health history, and lifestyle. You’ll have a physical exam, including the genital area. Your doctor will also talk about tests that may be done. 

Getting ready for your visit 

To get ready and make the most of your time, please bring: 

• Results from semen analysis, if already done 

• Recent medical records and tests 

• A list of all medicine and supplements you take 

Be sure to ask your doctor’s office if there is anything else you can do to prepare. 

Tests to diagnose infertility 

Your doctor will recommend testing, which may include: 

• Semen analysis to test sperm 

• Bloodwork to check hormone levels 

• Genetic testing 

• Sperm DNA testing to look for damage  

• Ultrasound of the scrotum 

Based on your test results, personal situation, and family goals, your doctor will talk with you about possible treatments. These may include medicine, fertility treatment with a partner, surgery, and donor sperm. 

Meeting with a reproductive urologist and going through a family building journey can bring up a lot of questions. Be sure to reach out to your Progyny Care Advocate for guidance at any time. 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

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Today, we’re focusing on the postpartum period — a chapter that is essential to maternal well-being, infant development, and the overall transition into parenthood. We’re joined by Jennifer Sargent, CEO of Pacify, to discuss how doulas and lactation specialists fill critical gaps in support and why expanding access to this care is an important step toward improving the postpartum experience.

Guest:
Jennifer Sargent, Chief Executive Officer, Pacify

Hosts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, SVP, Provider and Member Services, Progyny

This show does not constitute medical advice.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events on the full spectrum of women’s health and family building and what they might mean for you. From news, research studies, pop culture, and everything in-between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janet Choi and host, Lissa Kline, LCSW.

The post How postpartum doulas support new parents appeared first on Progyny.

For our first webinar, we explored the emotional impact of infertility on men. Infertility is often mischaracterized as a female issue, but it affects men too. And because of the stigma around it, men are often left to suffer in silence. We thought it was time to open the conversation about men and infertility.  

In the webinar, we discussed how to ask for support, talk about the journey, and recover from a loss. 

Featuring: 

• Will Rivera II, Co-founder, Fertility in Colour for Men 

• Denny Ceizyk, Author of Almost a Father 

• Arthur J. McGrath, LCSW, CST, BCN, MPA, Psychotherapist 

• Dan Bulger, Producer and Host of This is Infertility podcast 

 You can also view the second webinar, The Journey to Fatherhood: Male Infertility 101 and third webinar, Same-sex couples and Single Fathers by Choice. 

Intro to the World of Infertility and Insurance

Finding Emotional Support

Takeaway Tools to Use

FAQ

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Testosterone deficiency (also known as low testosterone, “low T,” or hypogonadism) is common, affecting 4 to 5 million people in the United States. Testosterone levels often start to decline around age 30. About 7% of people with testicles in their 50s have low testosterone, and that number goes up with age. 

What is testosterone? 

Testosterone is a hormone naturally produced by everyone, but it has stronger effects for people assigned male at birth (testosterone is produced mainly in the testicles). Testosterone is critical for sexual development, sperm production and fertility, sex drive and sexual function, and building bone and muscle mass. 

Signs of testosterone deficiency 

Testosterone is known as a sex hormone, but it is essential for the functioning and development of the male body.  

Signs of testosterone deficiency include:  

• Low sex drive 

• Erectile dysfunction 

• Reduced semen volume and lower sperm count 

• Fatigue and sleep issues 

• Difficulty with exercising and gaining muscle 

• Weight gain 

• Increased body fat 

• Decreased bone density 

• Mood swings 

• Low motivation 

• Impaired concentration/memory 

• Smaller than usual penis or testicles 

• Anemia 

How does testosterone deficiency affect fertility? 

Testosterone deficiency can lead to lower sperm counts, affecting fertility.  

But this is important: taking testosterone harms fertility. 

That might be the exact opposite of what you’d expect. But when you take testosterone produced outside the body, the body will sense that testosterone levels have gone up. In response, the testicles will lower or stop sperm production. 

If you want to maintain your fertility and treat symptoms of low testosterone, work with your healthcare provider. There are some medicines that will not lower sperm production and may even help boost sperm counts. 

What causes testosterone deficiency? 

Testosterone naturally declines with age. In addition, some conditions can cause testosterone deficiency in people of all ages, including children. 

Some conditions affect the testicles directly, leading to low levels of testosterone (primary hypogonadism). This can include inherited conditions, certain illnesses, injuries, and some cancer treatments. 

With secondary hypogonadism, testosterone deficiency is due to damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which control hormone production in the testicles. This damage may be from inherited conditions, or happen from aging, being overweight, or medicines including opioids and anabolic steroids. 

How is it diagnosed? 

Typically, a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency depends on two things:  

• Having signs of testosterone deficiency

• Low testosterone levels (below 300 ng/dL) in a blood test 

Two separate blood tests are needed for confirmation. They should be done in the early morning on non-consecutive days. This is because testosterone levels are at their peak in the morning and change throughout the day.  

What are the treatment options? 

In general, things that are good for your health (such as eating healthy foods and staying at a healthy weight) can help boost testosterone levels.   

Certain foods that are rich in vitamin D and zinc can help boost testosterone. Some examples include fish, low-fat milk enriched with vitamin D, egg yolks, oysters and shellfish, and legumes.   

However, diet alone is often not a cure for testosterone deficiency.  

Medicine is often necessary, and it can come in many different forms, including injections, pills, skin gels/patches, pellets implanted under the skin, and nasal gels. Almost all of these will lower sperm production (lower fertility).  

Who diagnoses and treats testosterone deficiency? 

Many primary care physicians don’t have specialized training for testosterone deficiency. They may not be familiar with all of the hormone medicines available, especially the fertility-friendly options.    

Your best option is to see a reproductive urologist who specializes in testosterone deficiency and male infertility. They’ll work with you to understand your history and goals to find the right treatment path for you. 

Your Progyny Care Advocate is also here to help provide more information and answer questions you may have along the way. 

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance. 

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Today, we’re exploring exciting new research out of The Turek Clinic on a medication you may know by Accutane. While most people recognize isotretinoin as an acne treatment, this recent study suggests it may have the power to “jump-start” sperm production in men with severe infertility. Joining us is Molly Jessup, Nurse Practitioner at The Turek Clinic, who will walk us through the research and what it could mean for men or couples navigating fertility challenges.

Guest:
C. Molly Jessup, MSN, NP-c, The Turek Clinic

Hosts:
Dr. Janet Choi, Chief Medical Officer, Progyny
Lissa Kline, LCSW, SVP, Provider and Member Services, Progyny

This show does not constitute medical advice.

The DocTalk series, where we discuss current events on the full spectrum of women’s health and family building and what they might mean for you. From news, research studies, pop culture, and everything in-between, we’re going to break it all down and sift through the noise with the help of our expert Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Janet Choi and host, Lissa Kline, LCSW.

The post Could Accutane jump-start male fertility? appeared first on Progyny.

Sperm production is an ongoing process. Every sperm you release is a reflection of your health and habits over the past two to three months. That means the choices you make today — how you move, eat, and care for yourself — can influence your fertility just a few months from now.

Everyday habits that matter

Movement, nutrition, rest, and avoiding harmful substances all play a role in sperm health. Regular exercise, like jogging or brisk walking, helps balance hormones and improve sperm quality. Smoking and cannabis use, on the other hand, are linked to lower counts, reduced motility, and more DNA damage.

Diet also makes a difference. Antioxidant-rich foods — fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish — are associated with healthier sperm. Diets high in processed meats, saturated fats, and added sugar may do the opposite.

Even sleep can affect fertility: people who sleep fewer than seven hours a night are more likely to see problems with sperm count and quality.

Not everyone will see dramatic improvements with lifestyle changes, especially if a structural or genetic cause is present. But healthier habits may still improve overall reproductive health and support treatment success.

How age changes sperm health

Stories of older fatherhood are common, but sperm quality doesn’t stay the same over time. By the mid-30s, conception rates begin to decline. Couples with male partners over

35 are less likely to conceive compared to those with younger male partners. By age 55, sperm motility is often significantly lower than it was in the early 30s.

Research also shows that DNA fragmentation — damage to the genetic material sperm carry — increases with age. This not only makes conception harder but may raise the risk of miscarriage and certain health concerns for children. It’s a low risk for you as an individual, but a health concern for everyone collectively.

Preserving fertility through sperm freezing

Like egg freezing, sperm freezing offers a way to preserve reproductive potential. Freezing earlier helps lock in quality and protects the option to build a family later, regardless of age or medical history.

Treatment options when help is needed

When lifestyle changes or timing aren’t enough, assisted reproductive technologies can help people with male-factor infertility become parents.

• Intrauterine insemination: Washed sperm are placed directly into the uterus, giving them a head start.
• In vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection: A single sperm is injected directly into an egg, which can help even in cases of very low count or motility.
• Testicular sperm extraction: Sperm are retrieved directly from testicular tissue if they can’t reach the ejaculate.
• Donor sperm: Another option when other approaches aren’t possible or desired.

Success rates with each approach vary depending on age, the underlying cause of infertility, and other health factors. A fertility specialist can help tailor the best option for your situation.

Key takeaway

Everyday choices, age, and medical treatments all shape male fertility. By understanding what’s in your control — and what medical options exist — you can protect your reproductive health and plan for the family you want.

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

The post Male fertility 102 – lifestyle, age, and treatment options appeared first on Progyny.

Infertility is often described as a female issue, but sperm is half the equation. If you produce sperm, you’re just as likely to experience fertility challenges as someone with ovaries. The good news is that there are clear ways to understand what’s happening and to take the next steps.

What is male infertility?

About 1 in 8 heterosexual couples experience infertility, defined as not being able to conceive within six to twelve months of unprotected sex. Experts estimate that male factors are solely responsible for about one-third of cases and contribute in about half overall.

When specialists talk about male infertility, they usually mean problems with the number of sperm, how they move, how they look, or whether they carry healthy DNA. Sometimes one factor is involved, but more often, several overlap.

Underlying causes may include hormonal imbalances, advancing age, lifestyle or environmental exposures such as smoking, poor diet, pesticides, or chemotherapy. Common medical causes include varicocele (enlarged scrotal veins), blockages in the reproductive tract, and certain genetic or chromosomal conditions.

Are sperm counts really declining?

Recent research suggests that average sperm counts in the Western world have dropped significantly — possibly by as much as 50% since the 1970s. While the decline appears consistent across multiple studies, experts note the exact magnitude and causes are still debated.

Possible culprits include endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics and pesticides, combined with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, disrupted sleep, and diets high in processed foods.

Why symptoms are hard to spot

Unlike people with ovaries, who may see clues about their fertility through their monthly cycle, people with sperm rarely get obvious signals. For many, the only indicator is difficulty conceiving.

In some cases, you might notice things like:

• Erectile dysfunction: More common in people with infertility, sometimes linked to hormones.
• Low testosterone: Can cause fatigue, weight gain, or trouble maintaining an erection. While sperm production doesn’t require high testosterone, broader hormonal imbalance may still affect fertility.
• Low semen volume or “dry orgasm”: May suggest a blockage or issue with ejaculation.

But most people with male infertility don’t experience symptoms outside of challenges getting pregnant with a partner.

Testing sperm health

The most common way to assess male fertility is a semen analysis. This simple test looks at:

• How many sperm are present
• How well they move
• Whether they’re the right shape and size

Results won’t label you “fertile” or “infertile,” but they can flag areas that may affect your chances of conception. Plenty of couples conceive naturally even when semen parameters are outside the typical range.

You can get semen testing at a fertility clinic, through a urologist, at a cryobank, or with a mail-in kit.

Key takeaway

Male infertility is common and often symptom-free. A semen analysis is the best first step to understanding sperm health.

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

Read next: Male Fertility 102

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What is a varicocele?

Like a varicose vein in the legs, a varicocele occurs when blood pools within the veins in the scrotum, causing swelling and dilation. It’s a common cause of infertility as it can lead to a low sperm count, decreased motility, and reduced quality.

Doctors don’t fully understand how a varicocele affects fertility, but it is linked to higher scrotal temperature, which can harm sperm production. Testicles are located outside the body because sperm development requires a temperature about two degrees cooler than body temperature. With a varicocele, the rise in temperature can damage or kill sperm.

About 15% of people with male reproductive organs have a varicocele. Among those experiencing primary infertility, the rate increases to about 40%.

What causes it?

The exact cause of varicoceles is not fully understood. Doctors believe they develop when the one-way valves inside the veins of the spermatic cord don’t work properly. These valves normally keep blood flowing upward toward the heart. If they weaken or fail, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins. Over time, this extra pressure causes the veins to stretch and widen.

Varicoceles are more common on the left side and often appear during adolescence, a time when testicles grow quickly and need more blood flow. The added demand can make valve problems more noticeable.

How is it diagnosed?

Some people notice a varicocele on their own by feeling a mass of enlarged veins in the scrotum. Other signs may include a smaller testicle on the affected side or discomfort.

A doctor can often diagnose a varicocele during a physical exam. A scrotal ultrasound may be ordered for confirmation.

What are the treatment options?

A surgical procedure called varicocele repair can improve fertility. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis. In this procedure, a small incision is made in the lower abdomen, and the affected veins are tied off.

Other options include laparoscopic ligation, which is more common in adolescents, as well as a non-surgical procedure called percutaneous embolization.

Does it affect pregnancy outcomes?

Repairing a varicocele may improve sperm quality and increase pregnancy rates. However, study results are mixed. Outcomes may depend on semen parameters before treatment, your partner’s fertility status, and the size of the varicocele.

If sperm counts are very low and your partner is older, your doctor may recommend proceeding directly to in vitro fertilization. In many cases, this includes intracytoplasmic sperm injection, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

Varicocele repair has been shown to improve semen quality for most patients and carries minimal risk. It may be a good option for couples who wish to try to conceive through intercourse or intrauterine insemination.

If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

Related Video

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Sperm freezing is becoming a common choice if you want to protect your future fertility. What is it, why might you do it, and when should you consider it?

What is sperm freezing and how common is it?

Sperm freezing, also called cryopreservation, is the process of preserving sperm at very low temperatures for future use. You may use frozen sperm later for fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). You may also choose to donate sperm to help others conceive.

More people are choosing this option as awareness grows, and more clinics and sperm banks make it available.

Should you consider freezing sperm?

You may decide to freeze your sperm for medical, treatment-related, or personal reasons.

Medical reasons

• Chemotherapy and radiation can harm sperm production. Freezing sperm before cancer treatment protects your option of having biological children later.
• Conditions such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes can affect ejaculation over time.
• If you have a low sperm count (oligospermia), freezing multiple samples and combining them later may improve your chances of conception.

Treatment-related reasons

• Surgical procedures involving the testicles, prostate, or bladder can affect ejaculation or fertility.
• Freezing sperm before a vasectomy provides a backup option without needing a reversal.
• If you’re a trans woman, you may choose to freeze sperm before starting hormone therapy or surgery, since these treatments can affect fertility.
• Having sperm stored ensures it’s available on the day of IVF or IUI, which removes stress about timing during fertility treatments.

Personal or lifestyle reasons

• Viruses such as Zika or Ebola can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Freezing sperm before you travel to high-risk areas may lower risks for future conception.
• If you serve in the military, work as a firefighter, play contact sports, or are exposed to toxins, sperm freezing can help protect your fertility.
• You may want to bank sperm for peace of mind, especially if you’re not ready to build a family right now.

What is the process like?

Freezing sperm usually takes one to three clinic visits. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Paperwork and consent forms
2. Providing a semen sample
3. Infectious disease screening — usually a blood and urine test
4. Processing and freezing — your sperm are stored in secure liquid nitrogen tanks

Your provider may recommend multiple visits depending on how many samples you want to store.

How does sperm storage work?

Your frozen sperm can stay viable indefinitely. Pregnancies have been reported from sperm stored for more than 25 years.

Your samples are kept in vials inside liquid nitrogen tanks. Clinics use careful tracking and continuous monitoring to make sure your samples stay safe. Most fertility clinics offer sperm freezing directly, and those that don’t usually refer you to a specialized sperm bank.

Key takeaway

Sperm freezing is a safe and effective way to preserve your fertility. Whether for medical, treatment-related, or personal reasons, banking sperm can give you peace of mind and keep your future family-building options open.

If you have questions or concerns, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

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