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Does the type of testosterone, mode of delivery, duration
of administration and dose effect the chance to reverse to suppressive
effects of testosterone?
The suppressive effect of testosterone is directly related to the dose and duration of treatment. The
way testosterone is given, such a shots, pills or creams is not as important. All types of testosterone
supplementation will shut off sperm production. The most important factors determining successful
return of sperm production is the duration of testosterone and dosage used. The extreme
supplementation used by bodybuilders and athletes cause a profound suppression and loss of sperm
producing cells. These are the most challenging patients to help regain their fertility. These patients
typically need every other day shots of HCG and an anti-estrogen for at least 3 months and often
longer. The first thing any man who decreased his fertility by taking testosterone supplementation is
to stop using the testosterone. Often, all that is needed is 3-6 months off the testosterone to restore
fertility. The semen analysis is checked every 3 months for improved counts.
Testosterone and Vasectomy Reversal or
IVF
For the man who had a vasectomy, it is often difficult to know if and when his sperm production
returns. Occasionally, the man will need a testicular biopsy to ensure sperm production has
resumed, especially if vasectomy reversal or assisted reproductive technologies is being considered.
Testosterone as male birth control
In fact, testosterone has been used as an effective male contraceptive in many studies.
Testosterone pills given to healthy fertile men so that their blood testosterone remains in a normal
level suppresses their sperm production to the sterile level (no sperm production) within 3 months.
Fortunately, the majority of the men had total return of sperm production within 6 months of going
off testosterone supplementation. The interesting side note is that with supplemental testosterone
kept in the normal range, there were no side effects such as rage and heart disease.
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