Men's Health Overview

Let's close the "medical gender gap."

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Men's Health

Let's close the "medical gender gap."

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Defy Medical can help men help themselves with treatments for their most common conditions.

According to Trends in Urology & Men’s Health, there’s a gender gap between men and women when it comes to healthcare. Men have a lower life expectancy, yet are more reluctant to seek care from medical professionals. Springbuk’s Health Intelligence platform confirms this, adding that men are 24% less likely than women to have visited a doctor within the past year. Instead, they ignore symptoms for longer and live more years with ill health. Perhaps ironically, that same 24% happens to represent the number of men diagnosed with at least one chronic condition.

Aside from the obvious health consequences, this imbalance in self-attention carries financial implications. Health Intelligence reports that men who have avoided a preventative visit for two years have spent an average of $997 MORE in one year on medical and prescription expenses than those who have made a visit at least once. Putting off healthcare costs the body and the wallet.

Now is the time and Defy Medical is the place (whether you come here or seek treatment with Defy remotely). Defy Medical is a leading concierge medical practice, expert in both preventative and restorative therapies, that focuses on the entire person and not just the symptoms. The Defy Medical goal is to improve quality of life, improve overall health and promote longevity, by combining proven treatment models with an emphasis on men’s health, including interventional andrology, testosterone therapies, sexual health, body composition, nutrition and more.

Speak with a Consultant

Defy the STATISTICS and take control of YOUR HEALTH

Get proactive with professional help from Defy Medical. It's easier than you think.

Accessing healthcare on a regular basis is a key to optimizing health — and vital to maintaining your quality of life. An op-ed by the editor of Trends in Urology & Men’s Health makes the case that recognizing the value and efficacy of treating preventable conditions can improve the lives of men, while closing “the medical gender gap.”

Defy takes a different approach to healthcare. We address multiple issues with the current protocols either at our full-service clinic in Tampa or by using a convenient technology platform that allows remote care via virtual visits. You also have access to a comprehensive catalog of affordable pharmaceutical products and blood tests.

Defy Medical offers these men's health services:

*May require travel depending on patient's location

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Type-2 Diabetes Management

Weight Management

Thyroid Replacement Therapy

Growth Hormone Therapy

Erectile Dysfunction

Sexual Performance

Fertility Support

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Nutritional Supplementation

Referral to an Expert Urologist*

Telemedicine Services

DEFY MEDICAL is the men's health SPECIALIST.

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Committed to solving the common problems faced by men.

Men’s health is a specialty. Defy Medical specializes in men’s health problems. In addition to “the medical gender gap,” there are issues that impact men more dramatically and at an earlier age. And of course, there are conditions suffered only by men.

These are not problems older males have to worry about and everyone else can ignore for now. For instance, Health Intelligence identified hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) as the top rising chronic condition amongst men, and that’s increasingly impacting the 18-35 to 36-49 bracket. 33% of men above the age of 20 have high blood pressure or high cholesterol — both of which affect many other men’s health issues.

Common Men's Health Issues:

Hypogonadism - Low Testosterone

As many as 20-30% of men over the age of 45 years have symptoms of low testosterone.

In addition, younger men may also be affected by low-T.

Are you experiencing fatigue? Do you notice more body fat, and issues with erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual performance? Numerous studies show that low testosterone is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Other consequences could include loss of muscle and strength, a greater risk for type-2 diabetes, depression and anxiety.

Treatment can help restore sexual function, improve mood and increase energy. Defy Medical physicians have been at the forefront of the diagnosis and management of low testosterone for nearly 10 years. A wide selection of treatments and laboratory testing is available to patients, without the complexities of navigating prior authorizations, co-pays and sourcing prescriptions through insurance.

This is important because testosterone can be significant to a male’s overall health. Testosterone is a hormone that helps maintain reproductive tissues, stimulate sperm production, promote and maintain sexual function, increase muscle mass and strength, maintain bone strength, and decrease the risk of disease and death.

Defy Medical understands that everyone is different and offers a variety of treatment options to treat testosterone deficiency based on your needs and preferences. Defy’s Testosterone Replacement Therapy program includes all of the necessary lab work along with close physician monitoring and prescription management. In addition, Defy’s medical specialists are available to assist patients at any time during therapy. Along with nutritional guidance, restoring testosterone levels to optimal levels can help reverse the common symptoms experienced by the aging male. Defy Medical also provides complementary therapies for TRT to maximize benefits and minimize potential side effects.

Become a Patient

Call: 813-445-7342

Erectile Dysfunction

As many as 52% of males suffer from ED, with rates increasing with age.

Several studies have looked at the prevalence of erectile dysfunction. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study reported a prevalence of 52%, with an increasing probability associated as men age. At age 40, approximately 40% of men are affected and the rate increases to nearly 70% in men aged 70 years. The incidence of complete ED increases from 5% to 15% as age increases from 40 to 70 years, making a man’s age the variable most strongly connected to ED.

Do you suffer from the inability to achieve or maintain an erection? Are you experiencing a sub-optimal sex drive (libido) or premature ejaculation? Other common sexual dysfunction symptoms are decreased fertility, decreased penile sensitivity, poor sexual stamina and fitness, loss of enjoyment and pleasure from sex, and inability to achieve orgasm.

At Defy Medical, men with ED receive a comprehensive evaluation. The clinic has a wide variety of affordable treatments available for men with ED ranging from generic oral PDE5 inhibitors to intracavernosal injections. Patients with advanced ED that cannot be treated medically, can be referred to a urologist for penile implants. These options can help the vast majority of men who wish to regain their ability to have satisfying sex.

Sexual health plays a major role in overall quality of life. As we age, biological and hormonal characteristics begin to change, resulting in slight or dramatic changes in sexual performance. For many men, this can cause a myriad of issues ranging from low libido to decreased fertility. At Defy, medical specialists are well versed in the complexities involved with sexual performance and health, offering a diverse array of solutions to treat sexual dysfunction and educating patients on maximizing sexual health and performance.

Become a Patient
Call: 813-445-7342

Reproductive Health

4.5-6% of men in North America are reported to be infertile.

Some 10% to 15% of infertile men have a complete lack of sperm. A hormone imbalance or blockage of sperm movement can cause a lack of sperm. In some infertility cases, a man produces less sperm than normal. The most common cause of this condition is a varicocele, which are present in about 40% of men with infertility problems.

This is not an affliction that only impacts older males. The Journal of the European Society of Human Reproduction & Embryology reports that infertility affects approximately 15% of couples within THEIR FIRST YEAR of trying to conceive. Furthermore, male-specific factors are thought to account for up to 50% of reproductive difficulties.

Determining the underlying cause of male infertility requires skill and expertise. Defy Medical provides affordable fertility support to men undergoing Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). Because hormones regulate most of the processes of the body, even small variations can cause significant side effects, including fertility issues. Defy Medical reviews hormones blood tests and consults with you on symptoms to find what’s really wrong. If a hormone imbalance is diagnosed, we determine the proper type of treatment — such as Hormone Replacement Therapy. In addition, if advanced diagnosis or treatment is needed, Defy experts refer the patient to a male infertility specialist close to home.

Become a Patient
Call: 813-445-7342

Type-2 Diabetes

Type-2 diabetes mellitus is a preventable disease diagnosed in 34 million Americans (CDC)

The numbers are staggering. And the health risks to men are considerable. Yet there is hope, with the right comprehensive program.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an estimated 88 million Americans aged 20 years or older with prediabetes. Improvements in diet and body composition alone may prevent type-2 diabetes in patients who are at risk. Sometimes established type-2 diabetes can be reversed with proper nutrition, body composition improvement and adequate testosterone levels.

Men who have type-2 diabetes are twice as likely to suffer from low testosterone as a man without diabetes. Among men with low testosterone levels, 70% reported ED and 63% reported low sex drive. A recent study on men with type-2 diabetes, presented to the Society for Endocrinology, shows that those with low levels of testosterone may die sooner than those with optimized testosterone.

We are here to help you Defy Diabetes or minimize its impact. Defy Medical physicians will evaluate important metabolic biomarkers to establish diabetes risk along with important hormone markers to determine if there is a deficiency. Improvements in body composition through the reduction of body fat, increase in muscle mass and application of testosterone therapy (when appropriately diagnosed) will provide an effective and comprehensive approach to treating type-2 diabetes. Blood sugar control remains a priority, while diet, education and support will be a routine part of each patient’s treatment.

Expectations for Defy Medical patients include a physician lab review, assessment and treatment plan; ongoing physician monitored Testosterone Restoration Therapy (TRT); claim assistance when insurance coverage is available; nutritional counseling and education; access to a full line of injectable amino-acid kits and nutraceuticals; concierge medical service at an affordable cost; and delivery is available for prescriptions and supplies.

Become a Patient
Call: 813-445-7342

To specialize in men’s health is to specialize in andrology, a branch of medicine that deals with diseases and conditions specific to men. Interventional andrology utilizes evidence-based treatments to modify the outcome of common diseases that affect men. The primary areas of specialty for Defy Medical include the diagnosis and treatment for hypogonadism, hypopituitarism, male infertility, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and metabolic intervention to reduce risk factors for preventable diseases such as type-2 diabetes and heart disease. Dr. Justin Saya of Defy Medical is considered a leading physician in the treatment of men’s health issues including testosterone deficiency and erectile dysfunction.

Defy Medical is an affordable clinic dedicated to men’s health by focusing on key needs, such as reducing the effects of hypogonadism, while improving quality of life in men within the Tampa area and beyond; and offering wellness treatments that are popular and in demand (from IV nutrient infusion and nutritional supplementation to cosmetic treatments, diet and exercise counseling).

Defy Medical differentiates itself by providing comprehensive treatment of common men’s health issues. The practice is at the forefront of men’s health to treat a variety of complex conditions that affect men nationwide with treatment programs designed to treat the following conditions:

Help with YOUR HEALTH, the way YOU want it.

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Choose your care: in-person at Defy Medical or remotely with Defy telemed visits.

On-site or on-the-go -- YOU make the choice. Whether you prefer an in-person doctor visit or the convenience of telemedicine technology, Defy has the healthcare experience for you. Whether you choose the more traditional Defy Medical option at the Tampa clinic, or remote access with telemedicine, recent studies and health experts agree that regular care is beneficial.

If you choose an in-person visit, the highly skilled Defy Medical staff and a state-of-the-art facility are equipped to treat the full range of men’s health issues under one roof. If you instead choose a virtual visit, Defy also offers a variety of treatments and services remotely through the telemedicine service. Telemedicine allows continued access to patients on managed care programs (i.e., Testosterone Replacement Therapy or TRT) who travel, do not live in Tampa or appreciate the convenience of remote appointments.

With Defy Medical, you get the best in care from knowledgeable medical professionals, including experienced doctors, licensed medical professionals and administrative teams who are qualified and trained to deliver a high standard of healthcare.

Defy Medical offers a comprehensive wellness approach for the treatment of common health problems endured by aging men and men suffering from hypogonadism. Unlike conventional medicine, Defy Medical emphasizes the physiological uniqueness of each patient. Stress management, medication, exercise and treatment of disease should be custom-tailored specifically to meet each patient’s individual needs. Diagnostic laboratory tests support this fundamental principle by analyzing subtle differences in an individual’s biochemistry, hormonal secretion patterns, and treatment responses allowing for individualized therapy.

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You can also defy high costs experienced elsewhere with Defy’s innovative self-pay cash option.

One reason men (and women) avoid healthcare is because they are intimidated by the costs they typically expect for the care and for health insurance. That’s why Defy Medical is defying the ordinary way too many providers build this barrier to care. Instead, Defy has driven costs down AND makes access easier with alternative payment methods.

By establishing partnerships with key vendors, including pharmaceutical manufacturers and diagnostic laboratories, Defy Medical can offer affordable cash pay services that may often cost the patient less than when using a third-party payor for similar services. The self-pay cash model allows the clinic to offer affordable access to men’s health services with more time allowed for quality patient care.

Are You an International Patient?

Options for patients who reside outside of the U.S.

If you live in the United Kingdom, Canada, or another country outside of the U.S. and you're looking for guidance on Men's Health – Defy Medical can help you. Our International Consultations allow you to talk with an expert to receive informed recommendations on care.

Learn More

Resources to Learn More

Learn more about men's health from our experienced providers. The videos below cover common topics and frequently asked questions.

Best Practices for Administering Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

There are several ways to administer testosterone replacement therapy, sometimes abbreviated as TRT

How Long does TRT take to show effects?

A common question that we receive from patients when they're starting their journey with testosterone replacement, or TRT as we call it, is when will I feel better? When will my symptoms improve? When will my quality of life improve?

More about customized TRT

Every patient receives a customized plan developed based on their individual needs and goals - there are no "cookie cutter protocols."

Meet your care team

Defy Medical is staffed by knowledgeable medical professionals including medical doctors, experienced healthcare professionals, and administrative teams who are qualified and trained to deliver a high level of care.

Meet

Justin Saya, MD

Dr. Justin Saya, M.D. is the medical director and lead practicing physician at Defy Medical. He offers therapy to both men and women who are looking to balance their hormone levels and improve their overall quality of life. His patients have reported benefits such as improved energy levels, restored libido, and much more.

Meet

Caleb Calkins, MD

Dr. Calkins is focused on optimum health for his patients. He believes in a proactive approach to medicine that emphasizes maintaining an appropriate balance of nutrition, hormones, and fitness. He is dedicated to finding the root causes of his patient’s symptoms and the appropriate treatment regimens for complete wellness.

Meet

Melissa Faulk, PA-C

Melissa Faulk, PA-C, graduated Summa Cum Laude from South University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Physician Assistant Studies. Melissa is a NCCPA (National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants) board-certified physician assistant with nearly 20 years of clinical experience...

Meet

Janel Mayer, MSN, APRN, FNP-C

Janel Mayer, MSN, APRN, FNP-C obtained her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Penn College in 2004 and gained valuable experience caring for critically ill patients at some of the finest facilities on the east coast.

Meet

Mike Linkous, PA-C

Mike Linkous, PA, completed his bachelor’s degree in Adult Fitness/Exercise Science at Marshall University in West Virginia. He received his Physician Assistant degree from The College of West Virginia in Beckley, West Virginia in 2000.

Meet

Ben Walker, APRN, DC

Ben Walker, APRN, DC received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree in 1989 and has been a nurse practitioner since 2014. His interest in the integrative approach to healthcare inspired him to explore and understand the many facets of optimizing personal health.

Meet

Jill Dillenburg, RN

Jill Dillenburg, RN, has practiced as a board-certified registered nurse for the past 10 years. She has specialized in the areas of hormone replacement therapy and cardiology. Since 2014, Jill has practiced with Defy as both a provider and the medical manager to Defy’s team of medical assistants.