#Malehealth

A landmark achievement in fertility medicine has been announced as artificial intelligence is credited with helping a couple conceive after 18 years of unsuccessful attempts—a result that could reshape options for millions facing male infertility worldwide. The couple, who struggled with repeated in vitro fertilization (IVF) failures due to the husband’s azoospermia, a severe condition where no measurable sperm are present in semen, finally found success at the Columbia University Fertility Center thanks to a pioneering AI-powered solution known as the STAR method. The case represents the first documented pregnancy enabled by this technology, igniting a new conversation about AI’s growing role in reproductive health (CNN).

A breakthrough in fertility treatment is offering renewed hope for Thai couples dealing with infertility, including azoospermia. Researchers at a premier fertility center used artificial intelligence to help a couple conceive after 18 years of trying. The method, STAR—Sperm Tracking and Recovery—uses AI to identify and retrieve sperm that are nearly invisible to the naked eye, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional, emotionally demanding procedures.

Male infertility is a global concern, and Thailand is no exception. Data from leading health institutes suggest up to 40% of infertility cases involve male factors, with about 10% of infertile men diagnosed as azoospermic. In Thai society, where family lineage and continuity are highly valued, infertility can carry a heavy social stigma. This reality makes the journey toward parenthood especially challenging, and conventional options such as surgical sperm retrieval or donor sperm can pose emotional and cultural hurdles for many Thai families.

A growing body of research and expert opinion is highlighting a silent yet serious consequence of excessive abdominal fat in men: a dramatic impact on hormonal balance, sexual health, and fertility. As obesity rates continue to rise—across the world and notably in Asian countries including Thailand—doctors are warning that belly fat is much more than a cosmetic concern. Landmark findings discussed by leading endocrinologists reveal that fat surrounding the waistline acts as an endocrine organ, disrupting testosterone levels and overall male vitality (The News).

A growing body of research highlights a clear link between excess belly fat and disruptions in male hormones, sexual health, and fertility. As obesity rises globally and in Asia—including Thailand—doctors warn that abdominal adiposity is more than a cosmetic issue. Endocrinologists emphasize that fat around the waist acts like an endocrine organ, potentially lowering testosterone and affecting overall vitality.

This matters for Thailand, where national surveys show rising overweight and obesity among men, especially in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Cultural norms have long equated weight gain with prosperity, but recent evidence reframes belly fat as a health risk with real consequences for men’s bodies and families.

Deep within the forests and fields of Thailand, the twisting vines of หมามุ่ย (Mucuna pruriens), known colloquially as “Mahamui,” have been harvested for generations, their itchy seed pods treated with caution but their hidden treasures—the seeds—prized by traditional healers. For centuries, Thai folk medicine has celebrated this legume for supporting male vitality, easing nervous ailments, and, notably, restoring sexual health. Today, as modern researchers crack open the mysteries inside its tiny beans, Mucuna pruriens stands at the intersection of ancestral wisdom and cutting-edge science, offering a compelling case for the harmonious coexistence of traditional and evidence-based medicine.

Mucuna pruriens, known locally in Thailand as Mahamui or the velvet bean, has long been gathered from forests and fields. Traditional Thai healers valued its seeds for male vitality, nerve health, and sexual wellness. Today, researchers are exploring its compounds, especially L-DOPA, to understand how this ancient plant fits with contemporary medicine. The bean’s journey from folklore to science offers a thoughtful model of integrating traditional knowledge with evidence-based care.