Can Low Testosterone Cause Male Infertility?
You’re picturing what your baby will look like and imagining all the fun things you will do with them. It’s supposed to be an exciting time, but it hasn’t happened yet. It could be nothing to worry about, but knowing and doing something about infertility early is better than worrying and wondering.
So, can low testosterone cause male fertility? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, but sometimes it can contribute towards male infertility. Don’t worry; there are things you can do to improve your testosterone levels and tests for male infertility too.
In this article, we delve into the topic of male infertility, how low testosterone plays a part in it, what you can do to increase your testosterone level and what tests can be done.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles in males and the ovaries in females. It is a key hormone in males, and it is found in much higher quantities than in females.
Testosterone in males plays a vital role in sperm production. It also affects bone and muscle mass, body fat storage, and red blood cell production. In short, testosterone is the major sex hormone in men and is important for male reproduction and fertility.
What is low testosterone?
Testosterone is considered low when it is below the expected level. In medical terms, it is commonly referred to as low T, and medical professionals call low testosterone levels hypogonadism. It is a condition in which the testicles don’t produce the normal testosterone level.
What happens if a man has low testosterone?
Some of the symptoms of low testosterone in males include:
- Reduced muscle mass
- Reduced bone mass
- Reduced sex drive
- A decrease in energy levels
- An increase in body fat
- Hair loss
- Erectile dysfunction
- Testicle size
- Reduction in the amount of semen
- Decrease in sperm concentration
- Difficulty sleeping
- Mood changes
What causes low testosterone?
There are several reasons why a male has low testosterone, and many factors come from lifestyle choices.
Some risk factors for low testosterone include:
- Age
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Chronic drug use
- Testicular cancer
- Early or later puberty
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Injury to the testicles
- Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Can a man recover from low testosterone?
In many cases, low testosterone in men can be treated. Here are some ways to boost your testosterone.
Leading a healthy and active lifestyle is the best, natural way to increase your testosterone levels. Try improving your diet to promote a healthy weight and get plenty of exercise by doing cardio and strength training. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol, too, for the best chance.
Look at your lifestyle and areas that are causing you to stress. If you and your partner are trying for a baby, but it hasn’t happened yet, it can cause stress, but this doesn’t help increase your chances. Try to relax, change your lifestyle, seek medical advice and allow things to happen in their own time.
Address any underlying medical conditions causing low testosterone levels and check medication. Speak to a doctor if you’re concerned that your medication is causing low fertility when trying for a baby.
Testosterone replacement therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy can have various risks, and it’s important to note that it is not recommended for men trying to conceive because it can have the reverse effect on sperm concentration.
If you’re curious about trying testosterone replacement therapy, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of it. Your doctor will check your testosterone before recommending the treatment.
Testosterone’s role in infertility
Low testosterone doesn’t always cause infertility. It isn’t uncommon for men with low testosterone to still produce healthy sperm because other hormones, not just testosterone, stimulate sperm production.
However, low testosterone can cause low levels of sperm and cause male infertility. Low testosterone can indirectly affect male fertility as it can result in a lack of desire to have sex and can cause erectile dysfunction, making reproduction difficult.
When should I see a doctor about my infertility?
If you and your partner have been trying for a baby for over a year, even with regular, unprotected sex, it might be time to see a doctor or fertility specialist. Both of you must get tested because 50% of infertility issues are caused by the male, meaning it is a 50/50 chance that the problems could be on either side.
What tests are available for male infertility?
A man can check he is fertile by doing some tests. Most of these tests are done by a doctor or fertility doctor, but due to advanced medical technology, you can even do instant, at-home male fertility tests that check sperm concentration.
Whilst this test won’t tell you if you have low testosterone levels, if the test indicates you have a low sperm count, the cause could be due to low testosterone.
Instant male fertility test
Official Rapid Tests offer an instant male fertility test, an at-home test that checks the concentration in human semen within five minutes with 98.2% accuracy. The test comes with a collection cup, dilution buffer, test cassette, transfer device and workstation.
The instant male fertility test is straightforward to use. You will get your results within 5 minutes rather than long waits through the doctor's surgery when samples are sent to a laboratory, making these tests an excellent place to start if you’re concerned about your fertility.
Sperm concentration is one of the main factors that impact infertility in males, so doing this test at home can give you a good indication of your sperm health. In addition, if you’re anxious about getting started with testing your fertility, this test gives you results almost instantly, and you can test for male infertility at home.
How the instant male fertility test works
- Order your instant male fertility test and wait for it to arrive.
With Official Rapid Tests, we promise to ship your test the same day Monday-Friday on orders placed before 2:00 pm. Orders placed after 2:00 pm will be shipped the following day; weekend orders will be shipped on the next working day.
- Take the test at home in minutes. Follow the instructions on how to take the non-invasive test.
The test works by detecting a protein in the semen that is only present with semen.
- Get your results within 5 minutes without having to send your results off to a lab.
So, how much does it cost to check male fertility? For this innovative, instant male fertility test, the cost is £14.99.
Other male fertility tests
Here are examples of just some other fertility tests available to males.
Physical examination
One of the first tests your doctor will do is a physical examination. The doctor will check for two testicles, one on each side, and they will check the size. 95% of the volume of testicles is made up of cells that produce sperm, so the size of your testicles can help a doctor determine whether sperm production is normal.
Medical history
Your doctor will ask if you have any inherited medical conditions that may contribute towards infertility. Your doctor will also ask about your medical history, including any illnesses and injuries and any medication you have taken or are currently taking.
It is essential to be open and honest with your doctor about your medical history and your lifestyle, as factors such as smoking, taking drugs or drinking alcohol can all contribute towards infertility.
Semen analysis
A semen analysis is one of the most critical tests for checking male fertility. The instant home male fertility test is an excellent and quick indicator of sperm concentration and fertility, but more advanced tests can be done through a doctor.
After getting fast results from your instant test, you might want to investigate further. The semen is analysed, and information such as the quality and quantity of your sperm can be detected. You will typically be asked to provide a semen sample for this analysis.
Hormone level test
A doctor can perform a blood test to determine the level of testosterone in your body. It is best to have the blood test early in the morning because this is when testosterone levels are at their highest. Throughout the day, testosterone drops before it climbs again through the night.
To conclude
So, can low testosterone cause male infertility? In some cases, yes, but it is possible that a male can have low testosterone and still be fertile. Order an instant home male fertility kit today to start looking into your fertility.
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