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.

When Should I Call a Fertility Specialist?

When should I seek fertility help? This is a common question couples ask when trying to determine how long to “let nature take its course,” versus seeking medical intervention. The answer varies, depending on age and medical history. However, typically if you are under 35 and have participated in unprotected intercourse for 12+ months with no resulting pregnancy, an infertility evaluation should be your next step. At age 35+, an infertility evaluation should be considered sooner, after 3-6 months of trying to conceive unsuccessfully. A history of irregular or painful periods, miscarriage, STD’s, or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease also indicates the need to seek out a fertility specialist within a few months of unsuccessful conception.

An infertility evaluation can usually identify the contributing factors quickly and easily.  35-40% of infertility is related to female factors, and 35% is related to male factors. The remaining portion is a combination of male and female factors.

Common female factor infertility conditions include:

• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Decreased Ovarian Reserve
• Recurrent Miscarriages
• Hormonal Disorders
• Fibroids
• Radiation or Chemotherapy-related effects

Common male factor infertility conditions include:

• Varicocele
• Sperm irregularity (motility, morphology, or count)
• Testicular blockage

Seeking treatment sooner vs. later is key,  as a woman’s egg quality and quantity declines around 35 years of age, and continues to quickly decline as she approaches 40.  Fortunately, in women age 34 or younger, preliminary “low-tech” treatment options such as intrauterine insemination and/or hormone-regulating medication, are extremely effective and economical.  For women age 35+, or with certain medical conditions who require a “high-tech” treatment option, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is resulting in higher pregnancy rates than ever, thanks to ongoing technological improvements in our laboratory equipment and protocols.