Testosterone Replacement and Male Fertility
When properly administered, testosterone replacement supports male fertility.
Of the many myths about testosterone replacement therapy, the idea that it causes testicle shrinkage and infertility is often one of the most distressing to men considering this treatment. Unfortunately, many trusted websites and news outlets that men routinely turn to for medical information continue to present flawed research that supports this myth and others.
Flawed Study Claims to Prove Infertility Myth
Here’s a perfect example:
A 2013 study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association and archived on popular health websites, claimed to show a correlation between prescription testosterone supplements and infertility.
The researchers culled 34 study subjects out of over 1,500 men around age 35 who had sought treatment for infertility at two clinics between 2005 and 2011. After discontinuing their testosterone supplements, 28 of the 34 men saw their sperm counts rebound from 1.8 million per ml to 34 million per ml.
Based on this correlation—which does not show a direct cause and effect relationship—the study authors called testosterone supplementation a “preventable cause of infertility” and recommended that men avoid testosterone supplements until they had fathered all the children they wanted.
The Truth about Testosterone Replacement and Fertility
Based on the study just mentioned, you might reasonably believe that testosterone replacement causes infertility. But there was some crucial information missing from that study, namely the specific testosterone replacement protocols that the men’s doctors were following when providing treatment.
Using an improper treatment protocol that replaces testosterone all by itself can cause the natural production of testosterone in the testicles to taper off. This occurs because when the pituitary gland senses that there is ample testosterone in the blood, it stops releasing the lutinizing hormone that stimulates the testicles. Without this stimulation the testicles do not produce testosterone or sperm.
Using a proper treatment protocol that includes measures to stimulate the testicles, this does not occur. In fact, properly administered testosterone replacement therapy that includes testicular stimulation can actually boost fertility by improving sperm counts, increasing sex drive, and helping to relieve issues associated with ED.
How Renew Man™ Does It
At Renew Man™, our testosterone replacement therapy always includes measures to protect male fertility and prevent testicular shrinkage. Based on your specific body chemistry and needs, we may prescribe one of two medications (or sometimes both in combination) to make sure your testicles remain healthy.
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