From underwear ads featuring young muscular models to the latest superhero movie starring an actor with a freshly made physique, the pressure to look a particular way or reach a certain level of fitness can be immense.

And for those who feel they have not reached (or are no longer in) their maximum potential, there are many products marketed to help them achieve that goal. These may include medications or hormonal supplements to help you gain bigger muscles, increase energy levels or improve your libido.

However, what some men do not know is that several of these chemical and hormonal supplements may also increase your risk of infertility.

The connection between testosterone and infertility.
As expressed by Dr. Brian Levine, founding partner and director of practice at CCRM New York, "taking testosterone is almost a male contraceptive."

The use of testosterone or anabolic steroids to gain muscle mass and, therefore, appear more fertile, while actually increasing the likelihood of infertility, is now known as the Mossman-Pacey paradox, named for the two researchers who described it. for the first time, such as the BBC and other recently reported outlets.

It faces two different points in the search for a man by a partner: short-term gains seem more attractive to females while bearing possible long-term damage to their ability to reproduce.

That is particularly about the type of steroids that are used to grow muscles until they reach an almost herculean size. But it is also in the small daily doses of products intended to increase energy and improve libido.

Dr. Katherine McKnight, a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Houston Methodist and CCRM Houston, says she sees a large population of couples with male infertility due solely to the use of testosterone, since high doses of testosterone significantly reduce the blood count. sperm of a man.

"There is a great focus on men's health today to combat fatigue and increase energy and libido," he told Healthline. "Unfortunately, hormonal medications, specifically testosterone and its derivatives, are used to control these symptoms."

While some effects of these medications that alter testosterone can be reversed, experts warn that it is better to avoid anything that alters your body's testosterone levels, as it can develop tolerance.

Basically, the more the brain detects testosterone in the blood, the less signals it has for the testicles to produce themselves.

Paul Jenkins, sports coach and founder of the DNA Lean supplement company, has two decades of experience working with athletes, especially amateur and professional competitive bodybuilders, "of whom all have used steroids."

Baldness is another common side effect of testosterone use, and that is why many bodybuilders shave their heads.

Jenkins says that when external testosterone enters a man's body, it breaks the body's natural cycle, which causes the testicles to stop their natural testosterone production and cause testicular atrophy.

"As you can imagine, the contracted testicles are largely infertile," Jenkins told Healthline. “When testosterone treatments stop, the testicles close and testosterone levels plummet. This results in erectile dysfunction and infertility, along with a lot of other symptoms. "

Worst part? Once the use of steroids is stopped, baldness remains.


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What to consider before taking supplements that increase testosterone
In addition to the short-term effects, which could become long-term, on sexual performance, researchers still do not know what additional effects altered testosterone can have on other functions of the body, such as the regulation of heart and bone health. .

Levine says that potential patients should review all of their medical conditions with their doctor, as these medications and supplements can affect other organs besides the reproductive ones, such as the liver or kidneys, as well as having dangerous interactions with other medications.

"Once they understand the risks, patients should know that they may have problems with sexual performance, weight gain or loss and fertility," he said.