Steroids and Male Fertility

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.

Testosterone Hormone Therapy

If you have fatigue, poor concentration and erectile dysfunction, low testosterone hormone therapy may help. Just don't call it the fountain of youth.

Want to pump up your sex drive and muscles, boost your mood and motivation, and have the concentration and energy levels of a college undergrad? It's true that for guys who have low testosterone (Low T) hormone therapy can help address symptoms such as fatigue and erectile dysfunction, but it's not the fountain of youth and it shouldn’t be treated as an elixir for men looking to reclaim the vigor of their school years. Declining testosterone levels are a normal part of aging and don't always warrant treatment.

Be Sure It's Really Low T

Are you tired, irritable, and/or disinterested in all the things that once brought you joy, including sex? If you suspect you have low testosterone, your doctor can order a blood test, but only after ruling out other causes, such as depression, says Robert Brannigan, a urologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and associate professor of urology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Many symptoms of Low T, such as fatigue and erectile dysfunction, mimic depression or present as a side effect of heart disease, obesity, or other health condition. It's important to figure out if an underlying medical condition, such as an autoimmune disorder, is causing your low testosterone.

Is Testosterone Hormone Therapy Right for You?

According to Brannigan, testosterone levels vary widely from one man to the next. Healthy men can have testosterone levels between 270 and 1,070 ng/dL. "There are very few absolute indications for treating low testosterone," he says.

In other words, treating is optional. In his practice, Brannigan follows the The Endocrine Society's recommendations: If a man doesn't have evidence of breast cancer or untreated prostate cancer; his testosterone levels are below 300; and he's bothered by symptoms of low testosterone, he's a candidate. While there's no doubt that treatment can improve the quality of life for men with low testosterone levels, there's no consensus on whether it's beneficial to men who aren't suffering from so-called "male menopause."

Benefits and Risks of Testosterone Hormone Therapy

Bringing testosterone levels back to normal can boost energy, muscle mass, bone density, and concentration. It can also help with erectile dysfunction. Hormone therapy may even alleviate symptoms of depression. But it's not without risks.

Testosterone hormone replacement therapy may encourage prostate growth and increase your risk of prostate cancer. Testosterone also lives up to its red-blooded reputation by driving red blood cell production. According to Brannigan, this can make the blood too thick and increase the risk for stroke. Other less-serious side effects include unwanted body hair, acne, breast enlargement, and fluid retention.

Low T Treatment Options

Several vehicles deliver the right amount of testosterone to replacement therapy patients:

    Steroids injections, usually once every two to three weeks
    Daily patches worn on the body or scrotum
    Topical gels applied daily to the shoulders, arms, or abdomen

It takes at least eight weeks for testosterone therapy to take effect, and because there's no cure for Low T, men generally require ongoing treatment, Brannigan says. Because of the risks of testosterone therapy, you'll need to follow up with your doctor regularly.