Ask any guy, and he'll tell you that men are the stronger sex. His reasoning is obvious: in general, men are bigger and more muscular than women. They can run faster, lift more, and throw things farther. Men rule on the playing field, but in medical terms, it's a very different story. When it comes to health, men are the weaker sex.

The longevity gap Much has changed in the United States over the past 100 years. Medicine has evolved as much as any field, with dramatic advances in diagnosis and treatment. Changing, too, is the American lifestyle, with its ...

Mention stem cells, and many people think of divisive ethical controversies and heated political debates. Indeed, stem cell research has crucial ethical dimensions. Leaving moral complexities aside, though, the basic research is fascinating and important in its own right. And although the prostate lags far behind other areas of stem cell science, reports suggest that stem cells may someday assume a role in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate diseases.

What are stem cells? Just as the stem of a plant gives rise to other structures, stem cells give rise to all the other cells in the body. Stem cells ...

Every man who has put on an athletic supporter must have wondered why his "family jewels" are suspended in such a vulnerable position. Why hasn't nature tucked the testicles into the protective confines of the pelvis like their female counterparts, the ovaries?

In fact, early in embryonic life, the testicles are positioned deep in the rear of the abdomen. But at about the 17th week of pregnancy, the testicles begin to gradually descend through the abdomen. They arrive at the groin 5 to 10 weeks later, then cross into the scrotum by the 30th week of pregnancy.

There is a ...

I've had gout for many years. I used to take Zyloprim without any problems, but I just had a severe allergic reaction, so my doctor switched me to Benemid. I'm doing okay, but the drug sometimes upsets my stomach. Do you have any suggestions?

Q. I've read your comprehensive discussion of erectile dysfunction, but one aspect is not mentioned: at age 74 (with a new wife, age 70), I can have erections, both with and without Levitra, but I have increasing difficulty achieving ejaculation. I assume this is related to ED and age, but wonder whether there is a solution. I don't drink or have diabetes. I do have high blood pressure, but it's controlled with Hyzaar and Plendil.

A. Erectile dysfunction is defined simply as difficulty in achieving and maintaining erections that are satisfactory for intercourse. Your problem is called inhibited ejaculation, a ...