Can I Still Father Children if I Have Low Testosterone?

Estimates show that anywhere from 4-5 million American men live with low testosterone. This sex hormone plays a crucial role in the body, including:

• Changes at puberty, like deepening of the voice and growth of facial and pubic hair
• Development of the penis and testes
• Muscle size and strength
• Bone strength and growth
• Libido and sperm production

All men experience decreasing levels of this important hormone every year after turning 30. However, the diminishing levels can be far more significant and unrelated to the aging process for some men.

Our team at Urology Associates of Southeastern North Carolina works with men of all ages who are living with low testosterone. They share these insights into how this condition can impact your fertility.

Low testosterone and infertility

The role low testosterone plays in infertility is actually more complex than you might imagine. That’s because it can cause problems in four ways.

Low libido

It’s common for men with low testosterone to experience problems with their sex drive and sexual function. Having decreased sexual desire or difficulties achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) can impact the ability to conceive.

Lower sperm count

Testosterone also plays a role in sperm production. However, other hormones trigger this process, and the testes often have a higher level of testosterone than your blood. That means having low testosterone could impact your sperm, but many men with low levels still have enough for sperm production.

An underlying condition

Approximately 40% of men aged 45 and older have low testosterone. However, this can develop for a variety of reasons, ranging from traumatic injury or certain medications to underlying conditions like metabolic disorders, inflammatory diseases, or pituitary problems.

Sometimes, the underlying cause of your low testosterone can also play a role in your fertility.

Testosterone treatment

Here’s where things get tricky: A side effect of testosterone treatment is often infertility. That’s because this therapy can decrease sperm production by reducing levels of another hormone that plays an important job in sperm production. 

This issue is often reversible. However, if you’re currently trying to get pregnant or want children in the future, work with your provider to make sure your treatment doesn’t interfere with testosterone production in your body.

Ways to boost your fertility when you have low testosterone

Now for the good news. We can still help manage your low testosterone symptoms while preserving your fertility. 

First, don’t wait to make healthy lifestyle choices that are also good for your fertility, such as:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Avoiding smoking
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting plenty of vitamin D
• Exercising regularly
• Learning if your medications, like steroids and narcotics, impact sperm production 

It’s also important to keep your genitals cool, because excessive periods of heat can lower your sperm count. To avoid this problem, we recommend skipping the sauna, hot tub, and baths. Also, don’t spend time with your laptop on your lap.

In addition to these strategies, we can determine the cause of your low testosterone symptoms and outline a treatment strategy to help get them back on track.

Do you have low testosterone? Contact one of our locations in Wilmington or Southport, North Carolina, to learn about your options today.