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Cited by 1Sexual function and dysfunction studiesHormonal and reproductive studiesComplementary and Alternative Medicine Studies

A systematic appraisal of emerging alternative therapies in men’s health and wellness

Open access
Yazan Qaoud, Morcos, Maya, Macdonald, Madeleine, Shoeib, Ahmed, Qureshi, Yara, Mak, Matthew, Ross, Amanda, Vigil, Humberto +1 more·2025·Canadian Urological Association Journal
DOI 10.5489/cuaj.9368PMC PMC13680028
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The use of alternative therapies for men's health continues to grow in popularity, as claims of their urologic and overall health benefits become more widespread. This study aimed to evaluate commonly purported therapies (intravenous [IV] nutrient infusions, saunas, ice baths, light therapy, and condensed nutritional supplements) in the treatment or improvement of men's urologic health. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using the databases PubMED and SCOPUS to identify literature discussing each intervention. Outcomes of interest were urologic parameters in men aged 18 and above. RESULTS: Overall, the results were often conflicting or inconclusive. IV therapy lacked any supportive evidence for the claims regarding its benefits in erectile dysfunction, sperm quality, or testosterone enhancement. Sauna had mixed outcomes, with some temporary increases in testosterone and reversible adverse effects on sperm parameters. Similarly, cold water immersion showed inconsistent benefits for testosterone, with improvements in fatigue and soreness. Light therapy showed non-significant changes in hormone levels, while improvements in sexual satisfaction and hair regrowth were noted. While some herbal products showed benefits for sexual function, testosterone levels, and sperm quality, others had negligible or inconsistent outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There is a discordance between media claims and scientific literature regarding the impact of alternative therapies for men's health. This data is significantly limited by small sample sizes and a lack of long-term followup. There is a need for larger-scale trials to better inform patient counseling.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.5489/cuaj.9368

Cites

0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

15 of 43 cited sources checked · 2 supported · 2 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Findingcitation

    Some studies showed evidence of decline in testosterone levels with CWI.

    “with some studies showing evidence of decline in levels, raising concerns that CWI may blunt anabolic responses.[23][24][25][26][27][28]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [23] 23. Tabben M, Ihsan M, Ghoul N, et al. Cold water immersion enhanced athletes' wellness and 10-m short sprint performance 24-h after a simulated mixed martial arts combat. Front Physiol 2018;9:1542. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01542 source

      The Results report that testosterone rose after simulated combat and returned toward baseline by 24 hours in both conditions, with unclear differences between CWI and control. The Discussion explicitly states that no change in testosterone was observed following CWI, contrary to the attributed decline. The paper does not establish that CWI blunts anabolic responses. (LLM, conf=0.90)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [24] 24. De Freitas VH, Ramos SP, Bara-Filho MG, et al. Effect of cold water immersion performed on successive days on physical performance, muscle damage, and inflammatory, hormonal, and oxidative stress markers in volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 2019;33:502-13. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001884 source
    • cites [25] 25. Schimpchen J, Wagner M, Ferrauti A, et al. Can cold water immersion enhance recovery in elite olympic weightlifters? An individualized perspective. J Strength Cond Res 2017;31:1569-76. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001591 source
  • Findingcitation

    From included studies on D-Aspartic acid and creatine, no clear benefit towards elevating testosterone was established.

    “Overall, from our included studies on D-Aspartic acid and creatine, no clear benefit towards elevating testosterone was established.[77][78][79][80]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [77] 77. Topo E, Soricelli A, D'Aniello A, et al. The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2009;7:120. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-7-120 source

      The Results section reports that 12 days of D-aspartate treatment significantly increased serum testosterone in the human participants, from 4.5 to 6.4 ng/ml (Table 1). That is contrary to attributing a finding of no clear testosterone benefit from D-aspartate to this paper. The paper does not test creatine or assess the citing authors’ overall synthesis of their included studies. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Checked by a reasoning model — may be wrong.

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [78] 78. Hoffman J, Ratamess N, Kang J, et al. Effect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2006;16:430-46. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.16.4.430 source
    • cites [79] 79. Tyka A, Chwastowski M, Cison T, et al. Effect of creatine malate supplementation on physical performance, body composition and selected hormone levels in sprinters and long-distance runners. Acta Physiol Hung 2015;102:114-22. https://doi.org/10.1556/APhysiol.102.2015.1.12 source
  • Findingcitation

    Pooled data from two large meta-analyses found no causal association between caffeine intake and erectile dysfunction.

    “but pooled data from two large meta-analyses found no causal association.[41][42][43]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [41] 41. Karimi M, Asbaghi O, Kazemi K, et al. Association between caffeine intake and erectile dysfunction: a meta-analysis of cohort studies. J Health Popul Nutr 2024;43:154. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-024-00645-w source

      The Results (Caffeine and ED; page not provided) report no statistically significant association in a meta-analysis of four cohort studies. The Conclusion says the limited evidence does not permit robust conclusions and calls for further research to clarify causality. Thus, this source supports a lack of detected association, not a finding of no causal association. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [42] 42. Xiang N, Hu Y, Peng W, et al. Potential genetic association between coffee/caffeine consumption and erectile dysfunction: A Mendelian randomization study and meta- analysis. Front Endocrinol Lausanne 2024;15:1400491. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2024.1400491 source

      The Results (Meta-analysis) report no detected causal relationship between genetically predicted coffee/caffeine consumption and erectile dysfunction. But the paper describes one meta-analysis combining results from two ED datasets, not pooled data from two meta-analyses. Its Conclusion also limits the finding to no strong evidence of an association in a European population, rather than establishing that no association exists. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [43] 43. Beaven CM, Hopkins WG, Hansen KT, et al. Dose effect of caffeine on testosterone and cortisol responses to resistance exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab 2008;18:131-41. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.18.2.131 source
  • Findingcitation

    Several studies reported improved subjective recovery markers with CWI.

    “Nevertheless, several studies reported improved subjective recovery markers.23,24,26”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [23] 23. Tabben M, Ihsan M, Ghoul N, et al. Cold water immersion enhanced athletes' wellness and 10-m short sprint performance 24-h after a simulated mixed martial arts combat. Front Physiol 2018;9:1542. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01542 source
    • cites [24] 24. De Freitas VH, Ramos SP, Bara-Filho MG, et al. Effect of cold water immersion performed on successive days on physical performance, muscle damage, and inflammatory, hormonal, and oxidative stress markers in volleyball players. J Strength Cond Res 2019;33:502-13. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000001884 source
    • cites [26] 26. Earp JE, Hatfield DL, Sherman A, et al. Cold-water immersion blunts and delays increases in circulating testosterone and cytokines post-resistance exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol 2019;119:1901-7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-019-04178-7 source
  • Findingcitation

    Several studies showed improved self-reported sexual satisfaction and PLS scale scores after light therapy with ultraviolet B radiation exposure.

    “Nevertheless, several studies showed improved self-reported sexual satisfaction and PLS scale scores after light therapy with ultraviolet B radiation exposure, suggesting benefits for libido and sexual well-being.[35][36]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim2 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [35] 35. Parikh R, Sorek E, Parikh S, et al. Skin exposure to UVB light induces a skin-brain- gonad axis and sexual behavior. Cell Rep 2021;36:109579. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109579 source

      The Results section ('UVB treatment induces romantic passion in humans') reports higher scores on some Passionate Love Scale items after UVB phototherapy, though attraction declined in male participants. The Discussion explicitly says the questionnaire measured romantic rather than physiological or sexual passion; this study does not establish improved self-reported sexual satisfaction. (LLM, conf=0.90)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [36] 36. Grandner MA, Kripke DF, Elliott J, et al. Short wavelength light administered just prior to waking: A pilot study. Biol Rhythm Res 2013;44:13-32. https://doi.org/10.1080/09291016.2011.632578 source

      The Methods (Questionnaires; Data analysis, page unavailable) list mood, sleep, safety and reproductive-hormone measures, but not sexual satisfaction or a PLS scale. The Conclusions (page unavailable) suggest that early-morning blue/green light may increase gonadotropins; they do not report improved libido or outcomes after ultraviolet B exposure. Searches for sexual satisfaction, PLS, libido and ultraviolet B found no passage supporting the attributed claim. (LLM, conf=0.78)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • May combine two claims. 23
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 7

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The effect of sauna on testosterone was not consistent and was often quickly reversible.

    “yet this effect was not consistent and often quickly reversible.[13][14][15][16]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [13] 13. Leppäluoto J, Huttunen P, Hirvonen J, et al. Endocrine effects of repeated sauna bathing. Acta Physiol Scand 1986;128:467-70. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748- 1716.1986.tb08000.x source
    • cites [14] 14. Garolla A, Torino M, Sartini B, et al. Seminal and molecular evidence that sauna exposure affects human spermatogenesis. Hum Reprod 2013;28:877-85. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/det020 source
    • cites [15] 15. Podstawski R, Borysławski K, Pomianowski A, et al. Endocrine effects of repeated hot thermal stress and cold water immersion in young adult men. Am J Mens Health 2021;15:15579883211008339. https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883211008339 source

      The Discussion (page unavailable) reports mixed findings: two cited studies found no change in testosterone during sauna bathing, while another found changes in testosterone secretion. The paper’s own results found no significant testosterone change before versus after sauna, but it does not establish that any change was quickly reversible; it measured no subsequent return to baseline. (LLM, conf=0.87)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Halson et al. demonstrated reduced fatigue (5.3 vs. 6.3), soreness (3.8 vs. 5.0), and enhanced mental recovery (6.7 vs. 6.1) with CWI.

    “For example, Halson et al demonstrated reduced fatigue (5.3 vs. 6.3),soreness (3.8 vs. 5.0), and enhanced mental recovery (6.7 vs. 6.1) with CWI.23”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [23] 23. Tabben M, Ihsan M, Ghoul N, et al. Cold water immersion enhanced athletes' wellness and 10-m short sprint performance 24-h after a simulated mixed martial arts combat. Front Physiol 2018;9:1542. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.01542 source

      The Abstract reports improved perceived fatigue and decreased delayed-onset muscle soreness after cold-water immersion, supporting those directions of effect. Our copy does not give the quoted values or report the claimed mental-recovery score. The Discussion identifies the present study as distinct from Halson et al. (2008), so the citing sentence also names the wrong investigators. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The clinical significance of the net benefit of herbal supplements is yet to be determined, with ambiguity regarding long-term safety.

    “Therefore, the clinical significance of this net benefit is yet to be determined, with ambiguity regarding long-term safety.[62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [62] 62. Steels E, Rao A, Vitetta L. Physiological aspects of male libido enhanced by standardized Trigonella foenum-graecum extract and mineral formulation. Phytother Res 2011;25:1294-1300. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3360 source
    • cites [63] 63. Maheshwari A, Verma N, Swaroop A, et al. Efficacy of furosap(TM), a novel Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract, in enhancing testosterone level and improving sperm profile in male volunteers. Int J Med Sci 2017;14:58-66. https://doi.org/10.7150/ijms.17256 source

      The Conclusions (page unavailable) report benefits and describe the 12-week blood-chemistry findings as showing safety, but do not assess the clinical significance of a net benefit or discuss long-term safety. A search for those qualifications and for adverse-event reporting found no passage that states the attributed claim; the 12-week study does not itself establish a conclusion about long-term safety. (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [64] 64. Ahmad MK, Mahdi AA, Shukla KK, et al. Withania somnifera improves semen quality by regulating reproductive hormone levels and oxidative stress in seminal plasma of infertile males. Fertil Steril 2010;94:989-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.046 source

      The Semen Profile section reports improved sperm measures after treatment, and the Treatment section specifies a three-month course. Our copy does not say that the clinical significance of those improvements remains undetermined or assess long-term safety (searched for clinical outcomes, long-term safety, and adverse effects). (LLM, conf=0.72)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    There may be an observed benefit of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels, IIEF-5 scores, and sperm parameters in patients with coexistent vitamin D deficiency.

    “however, there may be an observed benefit on testosterone levels, IIEF-5 scores, and sperm parameters in patients with coexistent vitamin D deficiency.[53][54][55][56][57]”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim2 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [53] 53. Canguven O, Talib RA, El Ansari W, et al. Vitamin D treatment improves levels of sexual hormones, metabolic parameters and erectile function in middle-aged vitamin D deficient men. Aging Male 2017;20:9-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/13685538.2016.1271783 source
    • cites [54] 54. Nimptsch K, Platz EA, Willett WC, et al. Association between plasma 25-OH vitamin D and testosterone levels in men. Clin Endocrinol Oxf 2012;77:106-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2265.2012.04332.x source

      The Introduction reports a small trial in men with vitamin D levels in the deficiency range in which supplementation was associated with increased testosterone. It does not report IIEF-5 outcomes. The Introduction and Discussion link vitamin D levels to sperm count or motility, but do not show that supplementation improved sperm parameters. (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
    • cites [55] 55. Michalczyk MM, Gołaś A, Maszczyk A, et al. Influence of sunlight and oral D3 supplementation on serum 25(Oh)d concentration and exercise performance in elite soccer players. Nutrients 2020;12. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12051311 source

      The Results report increased free and total testosterone after vitamin D supplementation in elite soccer players, some of whom had insufficient vitamin D levels. The Discussion mentions an association between vitamin D levels and sperm count and motility, but does not show that supplementation improved sperm parameters. The paper does not report IIEF-5 scores or study the claimed patient population (page numbers not provided). (LLM, conf=0.88)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Light therapy showed non-significant changes in hormone levels, while improvements in sexual satisfaction and hair regrowth were noted.

    “Light therapy showed non-significant changes in hormone levels, while improvements in sexual satisfaction and hair regrowth were noted.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Nutritional supplements were the most diverse category in the study, with heterogeneous study designs and outcomes.

    “Nutritional supplements were the most diverse category in this study, with heterogeneous study designs and outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Overall, the evidence for nutritional supplements was mixed and often limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and inconsistent outcomes.

    “Overall, the evidence was mixed and often limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and inconsistent outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Of 709 screened studies, six passed primary screening but none were included after secondary screening.

    “Of the 709 screened studies we identified and screened, six made it past primary screening, but none were included following secondary screening (supplementary figure 1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Sauna had mixed outcomes, with some temporary increases in testosterone and reversible adverse effects on sperm parameters.

    “Sauna had mixed outcomes, with some temporary increases in testosterone and reversible adverse effects on sperm parameters.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Cold water immersion showed inconsistent benefits for testosterone, with improvements in fatigue and soreness.

    “Similarly, cold water immersion showed inconsistent benefits for testosterone, with improvements in fatigue and soreness.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Two studies reported transient increases in testosterone levels following a sauna session, with small sample sizes (n=8).

    “Two studies reported transient increases in testosterone levels (small sample sizes, n=8) following a sauna session, 11,12”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [11] 11. Kukkonen-Harjula K, Oja P, Laustiola K, et al. Hemodynamic and hormonal responses to heat exposure in a Finnish sauna bath. Eur J Appl Physiol 1989;58:543-50. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02330710 source
    • cites [12] 12. Rissanen JA, Häkkinen A, Laukkanen J, et al. Acute neuromuscular and hormonal responses to different exercise loadings followed by a sauna. J Strength Cond Res 2020;34:313-22. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003371 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingcitation

    One cross-sectional study (n = 3,724) suggested reduced incidence of erectile dysfunction with moderate caffeine intake.

    “One cross-sectional study (n = 3,724) suggested reduced incidence of ED with moderate caffeine intake”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The review included two meta-analyses, three RCTs, and one observational cohort study discussing light therapy.

    “Our review included two metaanalyses, three RCTs, and one observational cohort study discussing light therapy (supplementary figure 4).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    While some herbal products showed benefits for sexual function, testosterone levels, and sperm quality, others had negligible or inconsistent outcomes.

    “While some herbal products showed benefits for sexual function, testosterone levels, and sperm quality, others had negligible or inconsistent outcomes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The available literature is heterogeneous, and studies suffer from small sample sizes, poor blinding, and reliance on surrogate endpoints, limiting generalizability.

    “The available literature is heterogenous, and studies suffer from small sample sizes, poor blinding, and reliance on surrogate endpoints, limiting generalizability.”
    • Also stated in: § Limitations · plain
      “Additionally, many studies, although a large majority were RCTs, contained small sample sizes, lacked blinding, and relied on surrogate endpoints rather than clinically meaningful outcomes, limiting generalizability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The meta-analysis by Perez et al. confirmed the hair density findings across eight RCTs, with a pooled effect size of 1.32 (95% CI: 0.93-1.71; p = 0.000).

    “and the meta-analysis by Perez et al. 39 confirming these findings across eight RCTs, with a pooled effect size of 1.32 (95% CI: 0.93-1.71;p = 0.000).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] 39. Can caffeine impact men's sexual health? UPMC HealthBeat. September 17, 2021. Available at: https://share.upmc.com/2021/09/caffeine-impact-mens-sexual-health/ (accessed May 5, 2025)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Thirteen studies on sauna met eligibility, most of which were small, nonrandomized trials.

    “We identified a total of 13 studies that met eligibility, most of which were small, nonrandomized trials (supplementary figure 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Many studies suffer from small sample sizes, poor blinding, and reliance on surrogate endpoints, limiting generalizability.

    “Many studies suffer from small sample sizes, poor blinding, and reliance on surrogate endpoints, limiting generalizability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The extent of benefit from herbal supplements varied across studies, which were limited by small sample sizes and a lack of long-term follow-up.

    “However, the extent of the benefit varied across studies, which were limited by small sample sizes and a lack of long-term follow-up.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Many studies contained small sample sizes, lacked blinding, and relied on surrogate endpoints rather than clinically meaningful outcomes, limiting generalizability.

    “Additionally, many studies, although a large majority were RCTs, contained small sample sizes, lacked blinding, and relied on surrogate endpoints rather than clinically meaningful outcomes, limiting generalizability.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Studies on herbal supplements (Fenugreek, Ashwagandha, Mucuna Pruriens, and Eurycoma Longifolia) showed potential benefits for boosting testosterone levels, sperm quality, and sexual function.

    “Studies on these herbal supplements showed potential benefits for boosting testosterone levels, sperm quality, and sexual function.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    This scoping review followed the PRISMA extension for scoping review framework.

    “This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) extension for scoping review framework.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Two reviewers screened and synthesized data, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer.

    “Two reviewers screened and synthesized data, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In Canada, 80% of Canadians have used CAM at some point in their lives, with the majority reporting doing so to improve wellness and maintain health and vitality.

    “In Canada, 80% of Canadians have used CAM at some point in their lives, with the majority of respondents reporting doing so to improve “wellness” and maintain health and vitality.89”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [89]

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    While some interventions like light therapy show promise, others, including IV therapy, ice baths, sauna, and several nutritional supplements, lack concrete evidence.

    “While some interventions like light therapy show promise, others, including IV therapy, ice baths, sauna, and several nutritional supplements, lack concrete evidence.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: The five selected therapies (IV nutrient therapy, sauna, ice baths/CWI, light therapy, and nutritional supplements) are among the most commonly advertised men's health therapies.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The focus on urologic outcomes may have excluded broader effects that could still influence overall supplement usage and health perceptions.

    “Lastly, our focus on urologic outcomes may have excluded broader effects that could still influence overall supplement usage and health perceptions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    At least a third of American adults have used CAM in the past.

    “At least a third of American adults have used CAM in the past.88”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [88] 88. Esmail N. Complementary and alternative medicine: Use and public attitudes 1997, 2006, and 2016. Fraser Institute. April 25, 2017. Available at: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/complementary-and-alternative-medicine-use-and- public-attitudes-1997-2006-and-2016 (accessed March 27, 2025)

      Not checked in the free run.

27 of 27

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There is no readily available scientifically based resource for urologists to counsel patients on commercial men's health therapies.

    “There is an overwhelming number of different commercial therapies with no readily available scientifically based resource that urologists can use to counsel patients.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The five selected therapies (IV nutrient therapy, sauna, ice baths/CWI, light therapy, and nutritional supplements) are among the most commonly advertised men's health therapies.

    “Five commonly published therapies were identified, including intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy, saunas, ice baths/ cold water immersion (CWI), light therapy, and nutritional supplements.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Urologists regularly encounter patient questions about alternative wellness therapies and their impact on men's health, including testosterone levels, erectile function, and fertility.

    “Urologists regularly encounter questions from patients about various alternative “wellness” therapies and their impact on men's health, including testosterone levels, erectile function, and fertility.”
3 of 3

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • American CAM-use claim cites the Canadian source

    Minor

    The claim about American adults cites reference 88, which is the Fraser Institute source on Canadian CAM use. The listed US trends report is reference 87.

  • Halson recovery results cite a different study

    Minor

    The recovery figures attributed to Halson are cited as reference 23, which is listed as a paper by Tabben. Halson's paper is reference 22.

  • Hair-regrowth meta-analysis cites a caffeine article

    Minor

    The text identifies Perez et al. as reference 39, but reference 39 is an article about caffeine. The Perez meta-analysis is listed as reference 38.

  • Light-therapy meta-analyses fall outside the stated study-design criteria

    Minor

    The methods list only primary study designs as eligible, but the light-therapy results say two meta-analyses were included.

4 of 4

Cites

The publisher hasn’t deposited this paper’s reference list.

Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. [2]2. Tindle HA, Davis RB, Phillips RS. Trends in use of complementary and alternative medicine by US adults: 1997-2002. Altern Ther Health Med 2005;11:42-9.
  2. [10]10. Opaszowski BH, Buśko K, Błachnio D. Effect of rehydration on hormonal responses to heat exposure in a Finnish sauna bath. Biol Sport 2001;18:193-208.
  3. [44]44. Wu BH, Lin JC. Caffeine attenuates acute growth hormone response to a single bout of resistance exercise. J Sports Sci Med 2010;9:262-269.

Cited by

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Related

Authors
Qaoud, Y., Morcos, M., Macdonald, M., Shoeib, A., Qureshi, Y., Mak, M., Ross, A., Vigil, H., & Witherspoon, L.
Affiliations
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (IE)
  • University of Ottawa (CA)
ORCID
Venue
Canadian Urological Association Journal
Publisher
Canadian Urological Association Journal
Published
2025-12-15
Volume
20
Issue
4
Pages
132-137
ISSN
  • 1911-6470 (ISSN-L)
  • 1920-1214
DOI
10.5489/cuaj.9368
PMC
PMC13680028
OpenAlex
W4417360709
Cited by
1
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 1
FWCI
0.18
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Canadian Urological Association Journal (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Sexual function and dysfunction studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Hormonal and reproductive studies
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies
Keywords
complementary and alternative medicine, men's health, sauna, cold water immersion, phototherapy, dietary supplements, herbal products, erectile dysfunction, semen quality, testosterone, sexual function, hair regrowth

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-11.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-11.

Cited sources are checked by gpt-6-sol.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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