Male Infertility Specialist

What is male infertility?

Male infertility is a medical condition that makes it difficult, and in some cases impossible, for a man to father a child naturally. Common causes of male infertility include low sperm production, blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm, and chronic health problems, and Dr. Johnson specifically focuses on male infertility caused by steroid use.

If you’re a former bodybuilder or athlete and you’re struggling to father a child, don’t wait to seek professional medical help. Certain medications, including anabolic steroids, can have unexpected side effects that harm fertility. The sooner you address the underlying cause, the sooner you can receive treatment.

How do steroids cause male infertility?

Anabolic steroids are synthetic medications that help build muscle and minimize excess body fat. Many athletes and bodybuilders use steroids to improve performance and lower the risk of injury. However, steroids often present unintended side effects.

When you consume steroids, they directly interfere with hormone production. Specifically, they block the hormone signals responsible for creating healthy sperm. The longer you take steroids, the more likely you are to experience male infertility.

How long does it take for steroids to result in male infertility?

The amount of damage that steroids cause depends on your overall health, how often you take steroids, and the size of each dose. If you only took steroids for a few months, you may be able to produce healthy sperm within three months. 

If you took steroids for six months or even longer, it can take 12-18 months to get your sperm production back up to healthy levels. Everyone is different, so it’s important to follow Dr. Johnson’s recommendations for treatment.

How is male infertility diagnosed?

To diagnose male infertility, Dr. Johnson performs a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, including if you’ve taken steroids in the past, how often, and at what dose.

After gathering this information, Dr. Johnson orders additional testing. Depending on your symptoms and health history, he might recommend semen analysis, hormone testing, scrotal ultrasound, or post-ejaculation urinalysis. He uses the results of these tests to determine the severity of your problem and to develop a customized treatment plan.

How is male infertility treated?

If you’re done taking steroids, Dr. Johnson might recommend a wait-and-watch approach. Many men who stop using steroids experience an improvement in their natural sperm levels within 6-12 months.

Whenever needed, Dr. Johnson treats male infertility using medications that facilitate post-cycle therapy (PCT), which helps male hormone production return to a normal level. The medications used have a variety of mechanisms. 

For example, one type of medication, called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM) activates your pituitary gland, encouraging the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). When combined, FSH and LH promote the natural production of testosterone, and in turn, sperm.

To explore treatment for male infertility, schedule an appointment at The New York Fertility Center. Book a consultation online or call the nearest office and speak with a friendly staff member today.