TRT & INFERTILITY: IS YOUR MAN SHOOTING BLANKS?!
Did you know that sperm rates have plummeted by about 59% over the last 50 years and continue to drop by around 1% annually? In fact—experts project that the median sperm count of the average man could reach zero by 2045. Yes, ZERO. Nada. Zilch!
But what’s causing this drastic decline? Should we be preparing for a looming Spermageddon? And can testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) help fix this problem?
Since testosterone numbers have also been dropping at a 1% rate each year since 1982, it may seem like TRT would increase sperm count in men with low testosterone levels. But the opposite is true. While there is a connection between testosterone levels and sperm count, testosterone replacement therapy doesn’t help get those levels go up.
Here’s why . . .
THE CONNECTION BETWEEN TRT, SPERM COUNT, AND FERTILITY
You might think that since testosterone is the main male hormone, playing a vital role in sperm production—more testosterone would mean more sperm. But that’s not the case at all when it comes to men undergoing TRT.
A study performed across 7 countries by the World Health Organization found that men who once had normal sperm counts and underwent testosterone therapy for a consecutive 6 months were more likely to develop a condition called azoospermia, or semen without sperm. Other studies have been done with varying results. Some say as few as 65% of men will develop azoospermia after 6 months of hormone therapy. Others say that 84% of men will experience this condition. Either way, these men are shooting blanks . . . and most of them have no idea.
But why are so many men undergoing TRT in the first place?
Besides influencing the quantity and quality of sperm, which affects fertility and reproductive function in males, testosterone has many other important effects on the body. That’s probably why so many people think that achieving high testosterone levels is the answer for biohacking their way to the fountain of youth.
Testosterone is what makes the penis and testes grow during puberty. It stimulates sperm production, deepens the voice, and has been known to increase a man’s sex drive. It can help with erectile dysfunction, encourage hair growth, and increase muscle mass. Needless to say, it’s easy to understand why TRT would be tempting for so many men—especially as testosterone levels are dropping drastically from lifestyle and environmental factors. Plus they naturally begin declining with age once a man is in his 30s.
And for couples who aren’t actively trying to get pregnant, you may find that TRT is actually a fantastic method of birth control for you and your partner.
But if you do want to have a baby, there are some things you really need to know . . .
DOES TRT MAKE YOU INFERTILE? WHAT’S THE LINK BETWEEN TESTOSTERONE INJECTIONS AND FERTILITY?
Every time I meet with a couple for a Fertility Consult, I make sure the man knows that he’s 50% of the baby-making equation and suggest that he go have a sperm analysis done sooner rather than later. That way, we’re not trying all these different methods to get the woman pregnant to only find out months later that we’re dealing with male factor infertility.
What I’m finding in my own experience is that many men are on testosterone for one reason or another, and it’s extremely common that neither they or their doctor know it makes guys infertile. Their libido may be high and the sex might be great, but that couple will likely never get to their goal of having a baby while he’s on TRT.
I’ve actually had to contact doctors to say, “You implanted testosterone pellets in so-and-so’s butt, and his wife has been trying to get pregnant. You’ve just set their fertility journey back by 6 months, maybe even longer.” In addition to getting off of TRT, these men then need to go on Clomid to hyper stimulate the growth of sperm afterwards. This creates a cycle of prescription drug dependency that comes with other side effects, and it’s all just better off when this can be skipped completely.
Perhaps this might not seem like that big of a deal, but once you witness the look of devastation on a woman’s face realizing this is the reason she hasn’t been getting pregnant, it’s huge.
ARE THERE WAYS TO INCREASE TESTOSTERONE AND SPERM QUALITY NATURALLY?
There are several things a man can do to increase the quality of his sperm naturally, but as long as he’s on TRT, he’s not going to see the results he’s looking for. For men who aren’t undergoing hormone therapy, I always recommend a few basic lifestyle modifications and typically suggest these 5 supplements: Omegas, CoQ10, Berberine, L-Carnitine, and Zinc.
If you and your partner haven’t been able to conceive while he’s been on TRT, it’s time to seriously consider stopping the hormone therapy and finding natural ways to increase his testosterone.
There are several natural ways a man can increase his testosterone levels:
Exercise and maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can lead to lower testosterone levels. Regular physical activity, especially strength training exercises like weightlifting, can help boost testosterone levels.
Eat testosterone-boosting foods: Consuming a balanced diet that includes foods rich in zinc, vitamin D, and magnesium is important for optimal testosterone production. Fish rich in omega-3s, leafy greens, eggs, honey, garlic, oysters, pomegranates, onions, almonds, and dark chocolate have also been associated with increased testosterone levels.
Manage stress:Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which can interfere with testosterone synthesis. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or hobbies can help maintain hormonal balance.
Get enough sleep: Sufficient sleep is crucial for overall health, including hormone regulation. Testosterone production is primarily regulated during the REM (rapid eye movement) stage. Disrupting this sleep pattern can negatively impact testosterone production.
Stay hydrated and limit alcohol: Drinking an adequate amount of water can support overall health, including hormone balance. Alcohol can disrupt the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which regulate testosterone production.
Clean up the chemicals: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals like phthalates, BPA, and microplastics interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in the body, including testosterone. The same chemicals women want to avoid for fertility affect a man’s hormones too.
Work with a Naturopath and take herbal supplements: You may want to consider taking certain herbs in addition to supplementing with Omegas, CoQ10, Berberine, L-Carnitine, and Zinc. Ashwagandha, Tribulus Terrestris, and fenugreek have all been traditionally used to support natural testosterone production. Please remember that it’s always best to supplement with the guidance of a professional rather than guessing about what you need.
IF YOUR MAN’S ON TRT AND YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT HIS SPERM COUNT . . .
While your partner will still need to see his own urologist or medical professional to help him stop his TRT, it isn’t too soon for you to prepare your body for pregnancy now so that you’re in tip top shape to have a baby later.
There are a few very specific steps we can take together to help you conceive easily, have a healthy pregnancy with minimal morning sickness, and bring a beautiful baby into the world . . . without having to struggle your way through breastfeeding hurdles or postpartum depression in your “fifth trimester.”
Book a Fertility Consult and we can begin taking those first steps together. You’ve waited long enough to have this baby, and you don’t have to do this alone. I can hold your hand and guide you every step of the way.