Everything You Need to Know About Testosterone and Male Fertility

How much do you know about testosterone? You probably associate it with masculine qualities like facial hair, toned muscles, and virility. If testosterone is low, it can interfere with libido and even fertility. So, should you take testosterone to boost your fertility? Fertility doctors say no.

Why can taking a testosterone supplement be a problem? These supplements can sometimes impede the body’s natural ability to produce testosterone, actually undermining a man’s fertility. Worse, many men take it when their testosterone isn’t actually low, thinking this will make it easier for them to conceive a child. Unfortunately, it can have the opposite effect.

It is true that low testosterone can lead to problems with sex drive and fertility. However, it is also true that testosterone levels fluctuate over the course of a day. What’s more, testosterone is not the only hormone involved in fertility. Two important hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), are produced by the pituitary gland. That gland is stimulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is produced by the hypothalamus, located in the brain. When the hypothalamus produces GnRH, it triggers the pituitary gland, prompting it to release LH and FSH. FSH activates the production of sperm cells, and LH stimulates testosterone production.

Taking testosterone can disrupt that chain reaction. Because your brain detects testosterone in your body, it slows down the production of GnRH. Your pituitary gland doesn’t produce the correct levels of your other hormones and decreasing sperm production. The resultant lower sperm count impedes conception.

So, what can you do to boost your fertility? First, understand that there are some lifestyle factors that can lower a man’s testosterone. These include too much exercise, a deficient diet, a sedentary lifestyle, a serious illness, alcoholism, and stress. Improving these areas of your life may be better for your testosterone level than just taking a supplement. All the lifestyle habits that you already know are good for your body are good for testosterone production, too.

When you get enough exercise, eat a nutrient dense diet, avoid cigarettes and illegal drugs, limit alcohol consumption, and manage your stress, you’ll be improving your health and your fertility. There are also studies linking low levels of vitamin D to low testosterone, so focus on making sure you get enough by getting some sun and eating foods like fatty fish and fortified cereal. It’s also helpful to keep your testes from getting too hot, because that can lower your sperm count.

If you’re having trouble conceiving, it’s important to consult an expert who can recommend the right course of action. At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on providing state-of-the-art treatment for men with fertility concerns, including those who need a reversal of their vasectomy. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides optimal surgical results and uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. To learn more, call 941-894-6428 or contact us through our website.