Does Low Testosterone Cause Low Sperm Count
Infertility is an issue for some men who then wonder if Low T is the reason that conception is not occurring. Does low testosterone cause a low sperm count in men? While you may think that is the likely answer, it usually is not the reason why conception has not been possible.
Testosterone is necessary for sperm production. What most people do not realize is that the testes have a much higher level of testosterone than what is found in the bloodstream. This means that even if a Low T diagnosis results from blood tests, there may still be enough testosterone in the testes to produce sperm. If the testes do not have enough testosterone, does low testosterone always cause low sperm count for those men? Again, the answer may still be no because other hormones are involved in the sperm production process.
How can low testosterone cause low sperm count if it is not the only factor? The process begins in the hypothalamus which sends a supply of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gland. Next, the pituitary gland releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH provides the signal to the testes to begin production of testosterone. FSH signals the creation of sperm cells.
When a man has Low T, taking testosterone replacement therapy increases the amount of testosterone in his bloodstream. This signal goes to the hypothalamus, which may then decrease its production of GnRH since it senses that there is enough testosterone in the body. Instead of aiding sperm production, this could have a reversed effect, which is why some men with Low T who are trying to conceive may want to wait until later to use testosterone therapy. Other hormone treatments may help with fertility.
How Improving Testosterone Levels can Help Sperm Count
Improving testosterone levels in a natural way can help raise your sperm count. Since treatment for low testosterone can cause low sperm count, you want to make sure that you work with a hormone specialist before starting any type of therapy. HRT specialists have different medications that they can use along with testosterone to ensure that the hypothalamus and pituitary gland continue to secrete hormones that stimulate sperm production.
You can incorporate testosterone boosting foods, specific exercises, and dietary supplements into your life, reduce exposure to hot tubs, limit alcohol, stop smoking, and wear loose underwear and pants to help your testes increase testosterone and sperm production. By understanding how can low testosterone levels cause low sperm count, you can take the proper action to reverse the situation in your life.
Your body needs testosterone for heart health, libido, sperm production, brain functions, and more. Supplemental testosterone in a very small dose may help with the symptoms of Low T without affecting hormone release by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. For some men, a very short testosterone cycle may help get the symptoms of Low T under control, and then treatment to increase hormone production for FSH and LH may help increase sperm count. Treatment with testosterone therapy will also help improve mood and reduce stress – two factors that can contribute to improving fertility success.
For additional information, please contact Kingsberg Medical for a confidential consultation with a hormone specialist at no charge.
