Testosterone Infertility

It seems that you can attribute all the ‘flaws’ of the male race on testosterone. But, if you (the guy) have an excess of or not enough testosterone, infertility becomes a possibility. If testosterone concentrations aren’t spot on the guy will have a tough time making or delivering sperm.

The testes, protected by the scrotum, are where all the action happens and where the testosterone is produced. Two hormones FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) stimulate the manufacture of testosterone. Consequently, if there is a problem with the pituitary gland, which produces FSH and LH, or the hypothalamus, which releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) which stimulates the pituitary to make LH and FSH, then testosterone production will also be influenced. Phew! In puberty, it is testosterone that stimulates the visible sexual characteristics – all those awkward things like voice breaking. Testosterone also keeps your sex drive in going.

If you are deficient in testosterone then you may have a condition called hypogonadism. As I said before, problems with the testes, hypothalamus or pituitary gland can lower your testosterone manufacture or it could be a problem that you are born with. The shortage of testosterone harms every aspect of your sexuality. You have subdued libido, erectile difficulties and low sperm count. Other indicators of hypogonadism include less facial and body hair, enlarged breast tissue, an increase in body fat, hot flashes and mood swings. Get yourself seen to by a doctor, as you will have to be referred to a endocrinologist (hormone specialist) to get an accurate diagnosis. You can treat the symptoms by replacing the testosterone in your system with synthetic hormones, but you’ll have to take extra measures to improve your fertility. Confirm that your doctor is aware that that you want to get pregnant as this could influence your treatment.

Believe it or not, hypergonadism, too much testosterone, could also be a problem! It’s easier to raise the levels of hormones than it is to decrease them, so it is more complex to treat hypergonadism, although the good news is that it is much less common. Men who suffer from hypergonadism will experience acne, early puberty, increased muscle mass (the only good news), enlarged breast tissue and abnormal hair growth.

Testosterone infertility is not only a male problem as women who have too much testosterone might have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome), a widespread cause of infertility. Women with PCOS will battle to shed fat, and they could experience acne, irregular or absent periods and excess facial hair. So abnormal testosterone levels in men or women could bring about fertility difficulties. If you have the correct amounts of testosterone, infertility is less likely. Possibly the most difficult thing to handle if you suffer from hyper- or hypogonadism is your perception of yourself as a man, so don’t be afraid to get help.

Here is more information on What is Infertility. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Infertility.