Low Testosterone and Infertility: Can Low T Cause Infertility?

Low Testosterone and Infertility 

There has been a lot of talk all over the internet and TV about low testosterone and the negative symptoms associated with it.

Testosterone is the hormone produced in the testes that really can have a big impact on men’s lives.

When the amount of testosterone in the body is low, it can cause a wide range of side effects which include tiredness, fatigue, lack of muscle strength and a state of depression.

But can low testosterone lead to infertility?

If you have low testosterone levels, then you should read this article because it explains some of the causes of fertility problems and some useful tips to naturally boost infertility. Let’s get started.

Male Infertility is Widespread

You might be surprised to hear this but the fact of the matter is that infertility is quite a widespread problem. There are about one in every five couples in which infertility problems are solely related to the male partner.

According to an estimate, about one in 20 men have some kind of infertility problem with a lower number of sperms produced during ejaculation. However, only one in 100 men has no sperm during ejaculation.

Low testosterone can cause you to lose interest in sex and have fewer and weaker erections. Harris M. Nagler, MD and chairperson at the Berger Department of Urology at Icahn School of Medicine in New York, says, “Low testosterone leads to infertility but it can also represent a testicular problem which can lead to infertility.”

Optimum levels of testosterone have been proven to raise libido and increase the desire a man has for engaging in sex.

The Biggest Contributor to Infertility

Well, this might come as a shock to you but the biggest contributors to infertility are things such as testosterone patches, testosterone gels and other unnatural methods used to boost testosterone. The increased testosterone levels can lead to infertility. Here is how:

A part of the brain called the pituitary gland controls male fertility. The hypothalamus produces a chemical known as gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), which sends the message to pituitary glands to produce two fertility hormones: follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).

FSH triggers the creation of sperm cells whereas LH tells the testes to produce testosterone needed for sperm production. Now when you take testosterone, the brain thinks it has completed its job and slows down the production of GnRH.

The pituitary gland doesn’t get the message, so it doesn’t produce normal levels of other hormones- FSH and LH. This decreases the sperm production. And the lower the sperm production; the lesser the chances for you to become a father, which translates to infertility.

High Testosterone Levels and Infertility

The production of testosterone is different at different times of the day. It has been proven that Vitamin D supplements and Zinc supplements increase testosterone levels in the body. Weight loss and deep sleep can also restore the testosterone levels of an individual.

But contrary to the popular view, the use of testosterone therapy to increase testosterone levels can be quite dangerous as it can backfire and result in decreased sperm production. This has been known for a long time but most people aren’t aware of this side effect.

1. A study was done recently in which subjects with low testosterone levels were given testosterone therapy. The subjects were motivated by the thought that it would increase energy, libido, and enthusiasm.

When the semen of the subjects was analyzed after the study, it was found that the men became infertile. The subjects had no clue that even the positive act of increasing testosterone levels can cause infertility issues.

2. Another study was also done in which the researchers looked at the fertility issues of men from the year 2005 to 2011. The researchers didn’t know whether testosterone injections were contributing to infertility cases.

Still, the researchers discovered that testosterone can cause trouble for American men who want to have children. The co-author of the study, Dr. Peter Kolettis says, “This has certainly become a preventable cause of infertility.”

The use of testosterone supplements is rising in the United States rapidly and researchers believe that its use is likely to increase because many people consider it a possible cure for fatigue.

However, critics question whether testosterone supplements are given to the patients who don’t need it.

Most men go to the doctor’s office and say that they want to look manly and they need testosterone. Unfortunately, even most doctors are oblivious to the fact that testosterone pills can actually cause fertility issues and thus, they give the patients testosterone enhancing pills.

How Low Testosterone Can Lead to Infertility

You must understand that testosterone is not directly linked to sperm production. But still, low testosterone may still be a cause of infertility. How so? Here is how:

• Low testosterone comes with decreased libido, which means you engage in less sex.

• Low testosterone may be an indicator of testicular disease. Once your testes are diseased, the sperm production declines.

How To Improve Male Fertility FAST

Now you might be wondering that if testosterone enhancing pills and gels can’t do the job for you, what should you do? So here are some natural ways to boost fertility:

1. Improve the Sperm Count – The average sperm count is somewhere between 120 and 350 million per cubic centimeter. A low sperm count is less than 40 million per cubic centimeter. The major factor leading to low sperm count are environmental factors like radiations, drugs, chemicals, cigarette, drug use and pollution. So you need to eliminate these things which lower your sperm count.

2. Eat Well – Eating well and clean can boost fertility. You can boost your fertility by getting fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. You should also avoid alcohol and foods with artificial additives. Foods high in zinc like oysters, pumpkin seeds, and nuts will boost fertility significantly. You should also maintain your ideal weight because food deprivation can also cause a loss of sex drive.

3. Get Vitamin D – A study published in the Journal of Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology states that men with low Vitamin D levels also have lower testosterone levels. Some good sources of Vitamin D are fatty fish, eggs, and mushrooms. Exposure to sunlight is also a good source of Vitamin D.

4. Regular Exercise – The American Society Of Reproductive Medicine states that regular exercise can enhance fertility and relieve anxiety and stress. But you should remember the saying that “excess of anything is bad for health”. So avoid excessive exercise because it can lead to high cortisol and cause infertility.

5. Limit Alcohol Intake – The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that excessive alcohol can lower testosterone levels in a person’s body. The main issue with alcohol is that it stops the secretions of hormones LH and FSH. You only need to avoid alcohol in excess, but you can still enjoy alcohol in moderation.

Conclusion

The question of whether low testosterone cause infertility is complex but what can be said is that low T-Levels can lead to a decreased desire for sex and can also contribute to weaker erections.

Interestingly, the natural ways to boost fertility are the same ways to naturally boost testosterone, so try to incorporate some of these tips mentioned above to increase fertility and boost your testosterone levels at the same time.

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