Many couples and individuals visit our Manhattan Beach fertility center looking for assistance in creating or expanding their families. At Innovative Fertility Center, Dr. Mark Rispler and Dr. Joshua J. Berger combine clinical expertise with compassionate care, providing advanced infertility treatments. To identify any potential fertility problems, our team will usually recommend a complete fertility evaluation. In some cases, he may discover that other therapies, such as Low T treatment in men, are generating unwanted side effects, including fertility issues.

A brief review of male factor infertility from our Manhattan Beach fertility center expert

In approximately one-third of infertility cases, male factor infertility is the culprit. As part of a thorough fertility evaluation, your doctor will order a semen analysis to provide initial data on your partner’s fertility. If the test reveals an abnormality, your doctor will determine whether further evaluation is warranted. Hormone imbalances such as low testosterone can contribute to male factor infertility and can be treated with medication. In some cases of physical obstructions, your doctor may refer your partner to a urologist, a physician specializing in the male reproductive system.

Breaking down the impact of testosterone

During puberty, testosterone is the sex hormone that changes a boy’s features into those of an adult man, such as a deeper voice, facial and body hair and more muscle mass. Common signs of low testosterone include decreased energy levels, diminished sex drive, depression and erectile dysfunction. Low T treatment has risen in popularity in recent years; however, these treatments can actually decrease sperm production, reducing male fertility.

Usually, the male brain generates gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) that signal the testes to produce enough testosterone, which men need to have for a healthy sperm count. Low T treatment involves hormone replacement, in which testosterone is added back into the blood stream, usually via patches, gels or injections. This rise in testosterone tricks the brain into believing the levels are adequate, so no signals are sent to the testes to make testosterone. Consequently, sperm production decreases.

Discover viable Low T treatment options that preserve male fertility

For patients and the partners who are trying to conceive, our team suggests talking with their physicians to explore alternative Low T treatment options. For example, an oral medication may increase testosterone levels without lowering sperm count. Gonadotropin injections may also produce an increase in the natural production of testosterone.

The team at our Manhattan Beach fertility center works with our patients to remove obstacles to conception, including low testosterone. If this hormone imbalance is hindering your chances for a successful pregnancy, our team can discuss Low T treatment options that won’t negatively impact fertility. Contact us for more information.