Testosterone Injections = Male Birth Control

A male-related infertility factor is present in 30-40% of couples experiencing difficulty getting pregnant. Therefore, we treat many of these cases, and fortunately most result in pregnancy. However, there has been recent talk in the medical community regarding men who have received testosterone injections in order to combat suspected low testosterone levels. However, in fertile men, testosterone therapy can in fact have the opposite effect, which is of course detrimental to a couple’s conception attempts.

Testosterone is responsible for sperm production, erection, and sex drive in men. It would make sense that if low levels were suspected, additional testosterone could correct any issues related to men’s sexual function and performance. However, there are a host of other issues that could be causing such problems, and testosterone alone may not be the answer, especially in younger, fertile men.

Testosterone injections have recently been used in clinical trials as a potential “male birth control.” Researchers are hopeful that it may act as a male equivalent to a birth control pill. Although additional research is needed, initial tests were promising.

This concept is interesting in that testosterone injections may present an additional contraceptive option. However, it is worrisome that men may be receiving these injections in hopes to boost testosterone levels when in fact it may be lowering their levels, along with sperm production.

It is important to see a fertility specialist who can administer a semen analysis for sperm count, motility, and morphology. This will give a more complete picture of any potential male infertility factors present. It is also imperative that your primary physician and infertility specialist be made of aware of testosterone therapy, or any other medications or dietary supplements you are taking, as they may unknowingly affect sperm and testicular health.