Lowered levels of testosterone – a man’s primary sex hormone – impact a wide range of physiological functions. Also called hypogonadism, low-T is linked to male infertility. However, treating infertility is not as simple as boosting testosterone levels with medications or supplements. Here’s what you should know about low T treatments and how they relate to your ability to father a child.
The Functions of Testosterone in the Male Body
Testosterone is the male hormone produced in the testes. It circulates throughout the body through the bloodstream, and starting with puberty, its increased levels produce primary and secondary sex characteristics such as:
- Larger genitals
- Growth of facial, body, and pubic hair
- Deepened voice
- Increased muscle and bone mass
- Taller overall height
Testosterone is also responsible for libido–that is, sex drive and desire– in addition to the ability to have an erection, keep an erection, and ejaculate. Testosterone is involved in sperm production as well, in terms of sperm quality, quantity, motility (ability to move), and other factors which impact male fertility.
Can Testosterone Therapy Correct Male Fertility Issues?
In short, yes. However, studies show that simply supplementing a man with testosterone through injections, pills, pellets, or gels may correct libido problems, fatigue, and other symptoms of low T, but it will not always fix fertility issues. Frankly, the problem is more complex than that. For this reason, we always recommend a man see a board-certified urologist concerning their fertility and ability to bear children.
Seeing A Board-Certified Urologist Concerning Fertility
If a man suspects he has fertility problems, he should consult a board-certified urologist with expertise in men’s sexual health issues, including low testosterone and male fertility. During an in-office consultation, your urologist will discuss any low T symptoms you may be experiencing, including:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Depression and anxiety
- Low sex drive
- Lower muscle mass
Your doctor will also review other aspects of your health profile which may impact fertility, including diabetes, stress, trauma to the groin or sex organs, and more. Obesity, tobacco usage, and lack of exercise may also impact testosterone levels, therefore impacting fertility as well.
With these findings in hand, the urologist may do imaging tests, such as an MRI, and order blood work to look for hormone levels–testosterone and others, such as the follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormones from the pituitary gland. These two hormones impact testosterone and sperm production in the testes. A semen sample is a routine part of this urological assessment.
Low T and Fertility Treatment Near Me
Don’t take an over-the-counter testosterone supplement in the hopes of correcting your infertility. Get to the underlying causes of your infertility and receive treatment that works for you with the help of a urologist.
We recommend you contact our board-certified urology and men’s health expert, Dr. Desiderio Avila at Ironwood Urology. He is experienced in the physical, emotional, and hormonal issues associated with fertility, and he can help you with your problems concerning low T.
Call Ironwood Urology today to arrange your consultation at (480) 961-2323 or request a visit by completing our online form. We have two locations to serve you in Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona
