What is testosterone?
Testosterone (also referred to as “T”) is a hormone produced in men by the testes (testicles). It is involved in muscle and bone development, hair growth, and development of sex organs such as the penis and prostate. It contributes to a man’s sense of overall well-being and sexual function. Testosterone is also required for sperm production.
What is low testosterone?
This medical condition is also called hypogonadism. A low T level is one that is below the normal range, which can very widely. It is measured with a blood test. Some signs or symptoms of low testosterone are problems with erections or decreased sex drive. Testosterone levels should be checked early in the morning, and an abnormal test should be repeated. Testosterone levels vary throughout the day, and a man’s T level will vary from one test to the next.
Can low testosterone be treated?
Men with low T levels and symptoms of low T can consider treatment. Men with low T can be treated with medicine through shots, gels, patches, or implantable pellets. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of treatment. Recently, the number of men receiving T treatment in the United States has increased significantly. Medications for low testosterone are now marketed directly to patients in the media.
Does low testosterone cause infertility?
Low testosterone does not cause infertility. Sperm production is actually stimulated by hormones other than testosterone. Testosterone is required for sperm production, but the level in the testes where sperm are produced is many times higher than in the blood. Even men with low or borderline T levels may have sufficient T levels for sperm production.
How does testosterone treatment cause infertility?
One side effect of testosterone treatment is infertility. Testosterone treatment decreases sperm production by decreasing levels of another hormone, follicelstimulating hormone (FSH), which is important for stimulating sperm production. In most cases, the infertility caused by testosterone treatment is reversible
Men who have received testosterone for a shorter period of time probably recover more quickly. For a small percentage of men, the infertility is not reversible. It is generally believed that testosterone given by shots and pellets are more likely to cause infertility than gels, although any form of testosterone supplementation can disrupt the normal hormonal balance required for sperm production.
