Pregnancy is usually a time of happiness and hope, but it also brings in the unexpected. While there is much talk placed on the health of the expectant mother, the quality sperm coming from the father could dramatically change the outcome of pregnancy. The latest study suggests the risks of sperm DNA damage, even increasing the risks of complications preeclampsia and birth prematurity.

In a groundbreaking research study conducted by scientists from Lund University in Sweden, scientists discovered that DNA damage in sperm increases the risk almost up to double that of preeclampsia, this is a dangerous condition that may arise during pregnancies characterized by high blood pressure. In addition, DNA anomalies also increase the risk of premature births, and this further entails increased related adverse health outcomes for infants born through such conditions.

The next step would be to find out which group of men respond best to methods to prevent and treat sperm DNA damage, and to test these methods to prevent pregnancy complications," said Dr. Amelie Stenqvist, a lecturer at Lund University. According to this study, a significant message is put forward that paternal health assumes an important role in a successful pregnancy.

It focused its research on men, specifically whose sperm contained high levels of DNA fragmentation. For instance, some 20% to 30% of babies born via in vitro fertilization have fathers whose sperm contains damaged DNA. The DNA fragmentation index, an indicator to assess the percentage of DNA damage in sperm, indicated that when the percentage of sperm with a DFI above 30% was observed, they had almost no chance of resulting in natural conception. Even a DFI greater than 20% showed that the chances of getting pregnant are highly risky as the risk factor for pregnancy complications like preeclampsia is much high.

Uncommon Complications during Pregnancy

The most alarming complication during pregnancy is preeclampsia. It affects approximately 5% to 8% of pregnancies worldwide, which can cause fatal conditions for both the mother and the baby. The new findings now point out that sperm DNA damage may contribute to this condition, especially if it is due to assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF pregnancies. The research found that a DFI above 20% doubled the risk of preeclampsia from a mere 5% to almost 11% per.

Apart from causing preeclampsia, DNA fragmentation in sperm is also known to increase the risk for prematurity. Most premature babies experience respiratory, neurological, and developmental complications. Therefore, some degree of early intervention might be important for prospective parents.

Some of the rarer, though serious complications include placental abruption, which is the separation of the placenta from the uterine wall and intrauterine growth restriction, a condition by which the baby does not grow normally in the womb. These conditions though rare are potentially catastrophic both to the mother and the child. Results from this study may help in establishing the contribution of the father in such pregnancies.

Further study into sperm DNA damage is of urgent interest with regard to its consequences for pregnancy outcomes. According to Professor Aleksander Giwercman of Lund University in the field of Reproductive Medicine, "the analysis of DFI should be introduced as routine test in all fertility clinics.". "It could give answers to couples who are having difficulties with infertility, but our latest result also shows that DFI analysis can be a method to identify high-risk pregnancies, explained Giwercman.

For many, DNA fragmentation in sperm is often treatable. Common causes are oxidative stress, age, smoking, being obese, and infections. Addressing these elements will likely reduce DNA damage in sperm for men, raising the chances for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Overall, the study importance should take into consideration paternal as well as maternal health towards reaching for a healthy pregnancy. Though DNA fragmentation in the sperm is supposed to increase the risk factors for complications in pregnancies, the advances into novel treatment approaches and tests are likely to alleviate complications in many families. Thus the findings of this study offer optimism and pave a pathway to more holistic fertility treatments in the future.

Breast cancer in men is far less common than in women. So there are a lot of factors that drive delay in breast cancer diagnosis in men. A breast lump in a man is dismissed as a fatty deposit, a hormonal change or something that happens only to women. However, men have breast tissue too, so overlooking warning signs can delay diagnosis.

On Breast Cancer Awareness Day, four experts spoke to HealthandMe about the breast changes men should watch for, why the disease is detected late, how to identify suspicious lumps from benign breast enlargement, and which men face a higher risk.

Besides misinformation and misconception, Dr Deepak Jha, Chief, Surgical Oncology and Breast Surgery, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, pointed towards an important societal factor that can delay breast cancer diagnosis in men.

Dr. Jha said, “Embarrassment and fear of judgment can also put men off seeking medical advice.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Day: Breast Changes Should Men Never Ignore

A lump is not the only warning sign of breast cancer in men. Changes in the nipple, surrounding skin and underarm area may also warrant medical evaluation.

Dr Ankur Bahl, Principal Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Cancer Institute, Defence Colony, explains that breast cancer can sometimes present with changes in the nipple or surrounding skin without an obvious lump.

“Men should watch for changes such as nipple inversion, unusual discharge, particularly blood-stained discharge, persistent redness, skin dimpling, ulceration or changes in the shape of the breast. Swelling in the underarm area may also warrant evaluation,” he told us.

Dr Jha, highlights thickening in the breast, even when there is no distinct lump, which is an overlooked sign of breast cancer.

“Cancer can sometimes start with subtle signs that are often disregarded. Even though pain is not a typical early sign of breast cancer, persistent pain should not be ignored,” he said.

Dr Kanav Kumar, Consultant Surgical Oncology, Head and Neck Cancer Institute of India, also urges men to pay attention to changes around the nipple and breast skin.

“Men should look out for changes in the nipple or the skin around the breast, even if they cannot feel a lump. Warning signs include the nipple turning inward, unusual or blood-stained nipple discharge, redness, scaling, skin dimpling or sores that do not heal. Swelling in the armpit or near the collarbone should also be checked,” he said.

Dr Ritu Dave, Medical Oncologist and Hemato-Oncologist, M|O|C Cancer Care, Pune, too, identifies nipple inversion, bloody discharge, redness or scaling, skin dimpling, thickening, ulceration and changes in breast shape as signs requiring medical evaluation.

She said that these changes do not necessarily indicate cancer, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored. Men should seek medical advice rather than wait for a lump to appear or for existing symptoms to worsen.

Also read: Breast Cancer At 26 Sent This US Woman Into Menopause Before 30: What Is The Hidden Toll Of Treatment

Why Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed Late In Men?

Low awareness and embarrassment contribute to delays in diagnosing male breast cancer. Many men do not consider the disease a possibility and may dismiss early symptoms as harmless.

Dr Bahl explains that men may delay seeking medical advice because of the assumption that breast cancer affects only women. He adds that symptoms may be neglected until a lump enlarges. Dr Jha points to a similar problem, stating that men may mistake a breast lump for a fat deposit, a hormonal change or a benign swelling.

Dr Kumar explains how these misconceptions can affect early detection. “Breast cancer is often seen as a woman's disease, so men may not recognise its symptoms or consider it a possibility. Some may dismiss a lump as harmless or delay seeing a doctor because of embarrassment or a lack of awareness,” he said.

Another important factor is the absence of routine screening for the general male population. As Dr Dave explains, “There is also no routine mammography screening for the general male population.”

This means that male breast cancer is often investigated only after symptoms become noticeable. Dr Dave also highlights an anatomical consideration: “Because men have less breast tissue, a tumour can reach the skin or nipple relatively early.”

Also read: Why Peak Incidence For Breast Cancer In India Occurs Between Ages 40–50, Compared To 60–70 In The US & Europe

Breast Cancer Or Gynecomastia?

Not every breast lump in a man is cancerous. Gynecomastia, a non-cancerous enlargement of male breast gland tissue, is a common alternative explanation. It may be caused due to hormonal changes or certain medications.However, men should not rely on how a lump feels to determine whether it is harmless.

Dr Bahl explains the typical differences between the two conditions. “Gynecomastia, or enlargement of breast tissue in men, commonly causes a rubbery or firm, often disc-shaped area directly beneath the nipple. It may affect one or both breasts and can be tender. A suspicious lump may feel hard.” he said.

Dr Jha also said that a cancerous lump is more likely to be hard, painless, irregular and present on one side, sometimes away from the nipple. Nipple inversion, bloody discharge, skin dimpling and underarm swelling are additional warning signs he flagged.

Which Men Are At Higher Risk Of Breast Cancer?

Although male breast cancer is uncommon, certain genetic and lifestyle factors can increase the risk. Dr Bahl said increasing age, strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, Klinefelter syndrome, previous chest radiation, liver disease, obesity and conditions associated with prolonged oestrogen exposure as relevant risk factors.

Dr. Kumar said, “The risk increases with age, particularly after 50.”

Other factors include previous radiation treatment to the chest and certain liver or testicular conditions. Dr Jha also identifies obesity and certain testicular disorders among the factors that require attention.

Dr Dave highlights the importance of identifying men with inherited mutations or a family history, who may need more monitoring.

She said, “Men with significant family history or inherited mutations should discuss genetic counselling and an individualised monitoring plan with their doctor. Routine mammography is not recommended for all men.”

Men with these risk factors should discuss these factors with their specialists. Depending on their medical and family history, genetic counselling, testing or personalised testing may be suitable.

Also read: US Woman’s Pancreatic Cancer Spotted On Routine Heart Scan: How It Saved Her Life

Tests Needed To Rule Out Breast Cancer In Men

When a man presents with specific breast changes, doctors begin with a clinical examination and an assessment of his medical and family history.

Dr Bahl explains that the initial evaluation includes examining the breasts and lymph nodes, followed by diagnostic imaging and a biopsy.

He said, “Depending on the findings and the patient's age, diagnostic imaging may include mammography and targeted ultrasound. If the examination or imaging raises suspicion, a core needle biopsy is generally performed to obtain tissue for pathological confirmation.”

Dr Jha explains why imaging alone may not be sufficient. “Imaging can show that a change is suspicious, but it cannot always prove cancer. Doctors usually diagnose it with a core needle biopsy, which removes a small piece of tissue,” he said.

The biopsy sample is examined to establish whether cancer is present. If the diagnosis is confirmed, further testing helps determine the type of cancer and treatment.

Dr Dave explains the role of additional tumour testing. “In case when cancer is diagnosed, further analysis of hormonal receptors and HER2 will be necessary,” she said.

Hormone receptor and HER2 results help doctors understand the tumour's features and design treatment. Depending on the clinical stage and findings, further investigations may be needed.

Dr Kumar stresses the importance of timely assessment, saying that the first step is a clinical examination, followed by mammography or ultrasound where indicated and a biopsy if the findings are suspicious.

Vaccines against influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and shingles are given to prevent infections. But new research suggests they may also help protect the heart, especially in older adults and people who already have cardiovascular disease.

A recent report published by The Washington Post speaks about the evidence of these four vaccines to lower rates of cardiovascular problems.

The evidence varies across vaccines, and not all studies establish that vaccination directly prevents heart disease. However, experts say preventing severe infections may help reduce the strain viruses place on the cardiovascular system.

“We’re beginning to understand the large number of problems these viruses can cause beyond, say, a cough and fever,” said Paul Heidenreich, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford Medicine, in the report.

Shingles Vaccine Linked To Lower Heart Disease

Shingles occurs when the varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates in the body. It can cause a painful rash and nerve pain. Research has also linked shingles to cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes.

A study published in Nature Medicine in August 2026 compared adults aged 60 and older who received the newer shingles vaccine, Shingrix, with those who received the older vaccine, Zostavax.

Over seven years of follow-up, people who received Shingrix had lower rates of ischaemic heart disease and heart failure than those who received Zostavax. The study did not prove that the vaccine caused the difference, but it added to earlier research on shingles vaccination and cardiovascular health.

A separate 2025 study of adults aged 50 and older also found an association between receiving two doses of Shingrix and a lower risk of stroke and heart attack.

Noreen Nazir, a cardiologist and co-author of recent American College of Cardiology guidance, described the new findings as “a really great addition to the literature”.

Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-CDC Vaccine Advisor Says Measles Outbreak Bigger Than Reported, Slams RFK Jr’s ‘No-See Evil’ Approach

Flu Vaccine May Reduce Heart Attack Risk

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone aged six months and older in the United States. Influenza can cause more than fever, cough and body aches. The infection can trigger inflammation, increase the strain on the heart and worsen cardiovascular disease.

According to The Washington Post, influenza infection was linked with a sixfold increase in hospitalisations for heart attacks during the week after a positive flu test.

The risk is concerning for people with existing heart disease. Severe influenza can worsen underlying conditions and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular complications.

William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a co-author of the American College of Cardiology paper, said people hospitalised with an underlying high-risk condition like heart disease are “much more likely to have a cardiovascular event”.

Also read: Washington Reports Human Bird Flu Case After Dairy Cattle Exposure: Should You Be Worried?

COVID-19 Vaccines May Help Prevent Heart Complications

COVID-19 can affect the cardiovascular system during and after infection. Complications include heart attacks, strokes, abnormal heart rhythms and pericarditis, which is inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

People with pre-existing heart conditions are also at greater risk of severe COVID-19. During the pandemic, people with heart disease were three times as likely to develop severe infection, according to the report.

Research has also linked COVID-19 infection to longer-term vascular changes. A 2025 study published in the European Heart Journal found an association between COVID-19 and early vascular ageing, a process in which arteries become stiffer and less elastic.

The report notes that updated COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in the United States for adults aged 65 and older and younger people with at least one underlying health condition that increases their risk of complications.

RSV Vaccine May Help Protect Older Adults With Heart Disease

Respiratory syncytial virus causes a respiratory illness in infants and young children, but it can also cause severe disease in older adults. RSV can also worsen existing cardiovascular conditions, including heart failure.

A study spanning five RSV seasons found that nearly one-quarter of adults aged 50 and older who were hospitalised with RSV experienced an acute cardiac event, often involving heart failure. Those who had a cardiac emergency had nearly twice the risk of severe outcomes compared to those who did not.

Schaffner said, “There continues to be a high risk of cardiovascular events even after you recover from these viral infections,” he said.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a single dose of RSV vaccine for adults aged 75 and older and adults aged 50 to 74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness.

The discrepancy between Pennsylvania’s reported measles-associated deaths and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s national tally sparked a political and public-health controversy.

In an exclusive interview with HealthandMe, Dr Paul Offit, paediatrician and director of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and former member of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, accused US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of adopting a “see-no-evil approach” to the outbreak.

He criticised the Trump administration’s handling of measles deaths, the proposal to split the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and a new federal initiative to expand vaccine-injury reporting.

Pennsylvania reported six measles-associated deaths, according to its Department of Health. The CDC, meanwhile, had confirmed two deaths.

The figures have become the focus of a dispute over how deaths among measles patients should be classified and included in government data.

‘These Are Measles-Related Deaths’: Dr Paul Offit On CDC’s Death Toll

Also read: US Shelved Poultry Vaccination Due To RFK Jr’s Vaccine Skepticism: Can Vaccine Help Control Bird Flu?

During the interview, Offit spoke about the discrepancy between Pennsylvania’s report of six deaths and CDC’s count of two. “These are measles-related deaths,” he said, arguing that measles had contributed to the deaths reported by the state.

“Had these children or adults not had measles, in the case of the one-day-old and few-month-old, they would have never died,” Offit said.

He accused Kennedy of refusing to acknowledge the state’s report and said the federal government’s approach risked obscuring the seriousness of the outbreak.

“This is just Robert F. Kennedy Jr. refusing to acknowledge the fact that he is an excellent anti-vaccine activist,” Offit said.

The disagreement involves more than a difference in numbers. Pennsylvania health officials count deaths that meet the state’s epidemiological definition of measles-associated fatalities.

The federal government has moved towards requiring confirmation through the National Center for Health Statistics. It now considers the fact that measles is listed as the underlying cause of death before including a fatality in its tally. This process can take longer than state reporting.

A death occurring in someone with measles does not automatically establish that the infection caused the death. However, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation, which can be fatal.

US Measles Outbreak Is ‘The Tip Of A Much, Much Bigger Iceberg’

Also read: Sixth Measles-Associated Death Reported In Pennsylvania As Cases Cross 1,100

Offit said the reported number of measles cases in Pennsylvania could substantially underestimate the actual scale of transmission. “You can assume that's off by a factor of at least five. I think there's between 5,000 and 10,000 cases of measles in our state,” he said during the interview.

Pennsylvania’s Department of Health reported 1,260 confirmed cases across 42 counties as of October 16, alongside 225 hospitalisations. “So this is the tip of a much, much bigger iceberg,” Offit said.

He also highlighted the risk among adults who may neither have acquired immunity through previous infection nor received vaccination.

“The thing that strikes me about measles right now is it's an adult disease,” he said, pointing to people in their 20s, 30s and 40s who may remain susceptible.

Offit argued that the resurgence should be attributed to failure to vaccinate rather than a failure of the vaccine itself. “Certainly not a vaccine failure. The vaccine doesn't work if you don't get it,” he said.

On MMR Split Proposal

Also read: Trump Signs Order To Change Childhood Vaccine Schedule Amid Measles Outbreak, Split MMR Into Three Shots

While addressing the measles crisis in the United States, Offit also addressed President Donald Trump’s proposal to separate the combined MMR vaccine into three individual shots.

The MMR vaccine has been used for decades. Trump’s executive order to split the vaccine had revived a debate that the combined vaccine causes autism, which has been discredited.

He referred to research conducted over several decades that has not established a causal link between MMR vaccination and autism. “There was the MMR vaccine in 1971. So we've had 50 plus years of the MMR vaccine,” he said.

Offit argued that separating the vaccines would increase the number of injections children receive without providing an established benefit.

“There's no reason to do it. Just makes it more expensive, less available, and has a longer period of time when children aren't getting vaccines,” he said. “And they get six shots instead of two for no benefit.”

He also said the proposal had made parents more skeptical about vaccination.

The debate sparked concerns as delaying vaccination can leave children susceptible to measles during the period before they receive protection. Any changes to vaccine schedules or formulations need to be assessed against evidence of safety, effectiveness and practical consequences for vaccine access.

On RFK Jr.’s Vaccine-Injury Reporting Proposal

Offit also criticised Kennedy’s initiative to expand research into vaccine injuries and improve reporting through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

Announced by the US Department of Health and Human Services in October, the initiative includes a new National Institutes of Health clinic, plans to record vaccine-related adverse events in electronic health records, modernisation of VAERS and a proposal to reimburse doctors for reporting suspected vaccine injuries.

When asked if the initiative was a useful step towards vaccine safety monitoring, Offit replied: “Not in his hands.”

He alleged that the information collected under the programme could be misrepresented to support claims linking vaccines to chronic diseases, including autism, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Offit also questioned whether the existing reporting system was being misunderstood. He said that "we did a pretty good job" establishing the existing vaccine injury reporting system.

He further described VAERS as a “noisy warning system”, explaining that reports can help identify adverse events but cannot establish that a vaccine caused a reported health problem.

The CDC says VAERS accepts reports of health problems after vaccination even when the person reporting them is unsure whether the vaccine caused the event.

Offit cited the example of the RotaShield rotavirus vaccine to illustrate how safety signals should be investigated. Reports of a possible serious adverse event prompted further study, which helped establish a link and led to the vaccine’s withdrawal.

His did not say that vaccine safety should go unexamined, but that reports must be investigated using reliable scientific methods.