It’s a well known fact that abusing steroids can shrink your balls and cause development of breast tissue. After talking to a number of male fertility specialists, we’ve learned that steroids are also one of the leading preventable causes of male infertility. Learn the facts and keep yourself safe.
How steroids work?
Anabolic steroids are part of a class of drugs called androgens which are compounds that act similarly to testosterone. Testosterone is naturally produced in the testicle where it’s primary role is to help with the development of sperm. Excess testosterone is sent from the testicle to the rest of the body where it binds to other cells and causes them to express proteins that make men more manly (bigger muscles, more body hair, etc). In the brain there is a little thermostat that regulates the body’s hormones. When testosterone levels are low, it produces secondary hormones (LH, FSH, GnRH) which in turn cause the testicles to increase testosterone production. (See our biology lesson on hormones for more details).
Taking steroids short-circuits the body’s natural hormone thermostat. Artificially increasing blood testosterone to ultra-high levels causes the body to build more muscle mass, but it also tells the brain that the body is producing too much testosterone and it attempts to correct it by shutting down testosterone production in the balls. Problem is, testosterone can’t get from the blood stream into the testicle and since it is necessary ingredient for sperm production, the testicles stop producing sperm.
Do they cause permanent damage?
Well, it depends on how much is used and for how long. Long term use can shrivel up the balls and kill off the cells that are produce testosterone. It can also interrupt the signal pathways that enable the body to correct itself and re-establish a healthy hormone balance.
The healthiest way to boost blood testosterone levels is to super charge your balls. There are a lot of tricks to help your body naturally boost testosterone levels. Check out Lee Myers blog on increasing T.
If you plan on using any androgen – this includes hormone replacement therapy, patches, creams, steroids, etc. Please talk to a male fertility specialist to learn options for enhancing testosterone levels safely so that you are able to preserve your fertility.
Is there any way to regain fertility?
First, stop taking steroids. Depending on how much and how long you used, simply quitting may be enough to restore fertility. It takes up to a year to regain full sperm counts so be patient with your body.
Sometimes the body needs help getting the signals going again. If so, a male fertility specialist will do a blood panel to determine your hormone profile. Based on that they can prescribe a variety of drugs that will kickstart sperm production.
In extreme cases, the body is unable to get sperm production levels up high enough for natural conception. Don’t worry. There’s technology for that. Thanks to the modern marvels of medicine if there is even a few sperm hidden away deep in the testicle then there is a chance of conceiving. Highly skilled micro-surgeons can scan the testicle with a microscope in search of sperm. If they find one, they can inject it directly into an egg and implant the egg in the uterus.
How steroids work?
Anabolic steroids are part of a class of drugs called androgens which are compounds that act similarly to testosterone. Testosterone is naturally produced in the testicle where it’s primary role is to help with the development of sperm. Excess testosterone is sent from the testicle to the rest of the body where it binds to other cells and causes them to express proteins that make men more manly (bigger muscles, more body hair, etc). In the brain there is a little thermostat that regulates the body’s hormones. When testosterone levels are low, it produces secondary hormones (LH, FSH, GnRH) which in turn cause the testicles to increase testosterone production. (See our biology lesson on hormones for more details).
Taking steroids short-circuits the body’s natural hormone thermostat. Artificially increasing blood testosterone to ultra-high levels causes the body to build more muscle mass, but it also tells the brain that the body is producing too much testosterone and it attempts to correct it by shutting down testosterone production in the balls. Problem is, testosterone can’t get from the blood stream into the testicle and since it is necessary ingredient for sperm production, the testicles stop producing sperm.
Do they cause permanent damage?
Well, it depends on how much is used and for how long. Long term use can shrivel up the balls and kill off the cells that are produce testosterone. It can also interrupt the signal pathways that enable the body to correct itself and re-establish a healthy hormone balance.
The healthiest way to boost blood testosterone levels is to super charge your balls. There are a lot of tricks to help your body naturally boost testosterone levels. Check out Lee Myers blog on increasing T.
If you plan on using any androgen – this includes hormone replacement therapy, patches, creams, steroids, etc. Please talk to a male fertility specialist to learn options for enhancing testosterone levels safely so that you are able to preserve your fertility.
Is there any way to regain fertility?
First, stop taking steroids. Depending on how much and how long you used, simply quitting may be enough to restore fertility. It takes up to a year to regain full sperm counts so be patient with your body.
Sometimes the body needs help getting the signals going again. If so, a male fertility specialist will do a blood panel to determine your hormone profile. Based on that they can prescribe a variety of drugs that will kickstart sperm production.
In extreme cases, the body is unable to get sperm production levels up high enough for natural conception. Don’t worry. There’s technology for that. Thanks to the modern marvels of medicine if there is even a few sperm hidden away deep in the testicle then there is a chance of conceiving. Highly skilled micro-surgeons can scan the testicle with a microscope in search of sperm. If they find one, they can inject it directly into an egg and implant the egg in the uterus.
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