Revised 2021
How do you test for low testosterone and what problems does it cause?
Low testosterone is also calling hypogonadism. It can lead to problems with erections, low sex drive, mood changes and problems with sperm health and sperm counts. Testosterone can be measured by a simple blood test and are usually measured in the morning, since that is when levels are highest in men.
Can low testosterone be treated?
Men with low testosterone can be treated! Testosterone replacement comes in many forms, including shots, gels, patches, or implantable pellets. However, it is important to know that testosterone treatment usually leads to either low sperm counts, or no sperm seen whatsoever in the semen. Once the testosterone is stopped, the sperm should return to the semen within about 3 months, and no permanent damage is seen.
Can low testosterone lead to infertility?
Low testosterone does not directly cause infertility. Sperm production is stimulated by hormones other than testosterone. Testosterone is required for sperm production, but the level in the testes where sperm is produced is many times higher than in the blood. Even men with low or borderline T levels may have sufficient T levels for sperm production, but it may contribute to lower counts or less healthy sperm.
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If a man is taking testosterone and wants to have children, how can low testosterone be treated to help with fertility?
There are some medications that can lower estrogen levels in your body. All men have estrogen in them but lowering it may help with sperm production. These meds include clomiphene citrate, letrozole or anastrozole and are pills. There are also injectable drugs that act like the hormones sent down from glands in your brain that will increase sperm production. Fertility specialists for males will prescribe these drugs, because sometimes they can act to lower sperm counts if they are used incorrectly.Find a Health Professional
![Healthcare professional eager to help a patient](/globalassets/_rf/find-expert.bf4f8cb7.png)
Male Fertility/Andrology
![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Male Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient Journey![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Urology and Male Reproductive Health
![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Male Factor
![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Fertility Options After Vasectomy
Vasectomy is currently one of the most common methods of sterilization in the United States. After your vasectomy, if you change your mind about having children, there are two procedures that can help you have a child with your partner. View the Fact Sheet![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Male Fertility
Did you know that up to 40% of infertile couples suffer from male factor infertility? Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Male cancer, cryopreservation, and fertility
This can be confusing since the terms are often used interchangeably in the media and casual conversation. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Male infertility evaluation: what do I need to know?
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Surgical techniques for sperm retrieval: what should I know?
As many as 10% to 15% of infertile men have no sperm in their ejaculate (the fluid released from the penis during orgasm). View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Weight and fertility
One of the easiest ways to determine if you are underweight or overweight is to calculate your body mass index (BMI). View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Sperm morphology (shape): Does it affect fertility?
The most common test of a man’s fertility is a semen analysis. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Spinal cord injury sperm retrieval
There are several reasons a man with a spinal cord injury (SCI) might have infertility. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Varicocele
A varicocele is a variation of normal anatomy in which veins in the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) become enlarged and sometimes even visible. View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Diagnostic Testing for Male Factor Infertility
When a couple has trouble having a baby, there's about a 50-50 chance that the man has a problem contributing to the pregnancy.View the Fact Sheet
![Info Icon](/globalassets/_icons/info.png)
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts![Infographic Icon](/globalassets/_icons/infographic.png)
Male Fertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Male Fertility better. View the infographicsInfertility
![PR Bulletin Icon](/globalassets/_icons/pr_bulletin.png)
ASRM announces support for HOPE with Fertility Services Act
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine is proud to endorse the HOPE with Fertility Services Act (HR 8821).
View the Press Release![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Environmental Impacts on Fertility
In this episode, the fertility experts discuss the impact of the environment, including air, climate, and chemical exposures on infertility. Listen to the Episode![PR Bulletin Icon](/globalassets/_icons/pr_bulletin.png)
Survey shows strong support for increased access to fertility treatments
A new public opinion poll reveals strong support for improved access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
View the Press Release![News Icon](/globalassets/_icons/news.png)
Leave Your Mark! NIAW April 21-27
National Infertility Awareness Week Action Round-Up Click here to leave your mark during NIAW2024![PR Bulletin Icon](/globalassets/_icons/pr_bulletin.png)
National Infertility Awareness Week 2024: Leave Your Mark
Next week is National Infertility Awareness Week, a federally recognized health observance founded to increase awareness of infertility.
View the Press Release![Announcement Icon](/globalassets/_icons/announcement.png)
ASRM reacts to Alabama legislation
We are pleased that the legislation passed into law by the Alabama General Assembly will at least allow our members in the state to care for their patients.
View the Press Release![Announcement Icon](/globalassets/_icons/announcement.png)
IVF at the SOTU: Fertility care expected to be major focus at State of the Union
Protecting access to IVF care is expected to be a major theme of the State of the Union on Thursday.
View the Press Release![Announcement Icon](/globalassets/_icons/announcement.png)
ASRM Responds to Proposed Alabama Legislation
We are proud of our Alabama members and their patients, who have been such incredible advocates working to motivate their legislators to protect IVF.
View the Press Release![Announcement Icon](/globalassets/_icons/announcement.png)
Senate Budget Hearing is Well Timed Following Alabama IVF Ruling
ASRM statement regarding the Senate Budget Committee’s hearing entitled: No Rights to Speak of: The Economic Harms of Restricting Reproductive Freedom.
View the Press Release![Announcement Icon](/globalassets/_icons/announcement.png)
ASRM Responds to Senate’s Failure to Pass Access to Family Building Act
We are disappointed by the Senate’s failure to meet the moment and pass federal legislation protecting access to in vitro fertilization (IVF).
View the Press Release![PR Bulletin Icon](/globalassets/_icons/pr_bulletin.png)
Society of Reproductive Biologists and Technologists (SRBT) Condemns Recent Court Decision in Alabama
The recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court that frozen embryos are legally considered people has sparked controversy and concern.
View the Press Release![Announcement Icon](/globalassets/_icons/announcement.png)
ASRM Condemns Profoundly Misguided and Dangerous Court Decision in Alabama
In LePage v Mobile Infirmary Clinic, the Alabama Supreme Court made a decision that flies in the face of medical reality and the needs of the citizens.
View the Press Release![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure
"I can get pregnant, but I can't stay pregnant," is echoed by patients with recurrent pregnancy loss. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
Drs. Timothy Hickman and Rashmi Kudesia discuss the links between lifestyle and fertility. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple
Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the Episode![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Male Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient Journey![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Female Fertility Journey
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you may have infertility. Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children.
View the Patient Journey![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Infertility Counseling and Support: When and Where to Find It
Infertility is a medical condition that touches all aspects of your life. View the fact sheet![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that can affect many facets of a person’s life, from pelvic pain to struggles with infertility. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.Listen to the Episode
![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Financial Aspects of Infertility Treatment
“I know what treatment I want and need to do, but how can I afford it?” This is a common question infertility patients often ask themselves. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs
In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care
Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
Does stress cause infertility or is it the other way round? Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - RESOLVE and Infertility
Due to the unique stress of infertility, patients often look for resources and support in addition to those provided by their medical provider. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - Safe Surfing: The Pros and Perils of Social Media
Dr. Kenan Omurtag, MD joins host Dr. Mark Trolice to discuss the use of social media in the field of infertility. Listen to the Episode![Podcast Icon](/globalassets/_icons/podcast.png)
SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?
These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Stress and Infertility
Medical procedures, cost, outcome uncertainty, and unwanted or unhelpful advice from friends and family are stressors associated with infertility treatment. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Optimizing Natural Fertility
Before attempting pregnancy, a woman should make sure she is healthy enough for pregnancy by adopting a healthier lifestyle and taking prenatal vitamins. If she has a medical or genetic condition or risk of one, she should seek advice from a medical professional before conceiving (becoming pregnant) View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Male Fertility and Infertility - a patient education video
Male Factor Infertility is responsible for about 30% of infertility cases and can contribute infertility to an additional 20% of cases. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility
Infertility is the result of a disease (an interruption, cessation, or disorder of body functions, systems, or organs) of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Fibroid Tumors
An educational video that answers patient questions about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Infertility Treatments
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various treatments for infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Understanding Fertility
In this video series, Dr. Roger Lobo explains the basics of infertility, including causes, treatments and coping methods. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Surviving the Roller Coaster Emotions of Infertility Treatment
The experience of infertility is a rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. Treatment presents an opportunity for hope as well as a new set of challenges. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Age and Fertility (booklet)
Generally, reproductive potential decreases as women get older, and fertility can be expected to end 5 to 10 years before menopause. View the Booklet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL)?
This is a condition when a woman has 2 or more clinical pregnancy losses (miscarriages) before the pregnancies reach 20 weeks. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Endometriosis: Does It Cause Infertility?
When tissue like the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus, it is termed “endometriosis.” View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (Also Called Premature Ovarian Failure)?
When a woman’s ovaries stop working before age 40, she is said to have premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)?
A procedure called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be done along with in vitro fertilization (IVF) if a sperm cannot penetrate the outer layer of an egg. Read the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Acupuncture and Infertility Treatment
Acupuncture is an alternative medical treatment that involves placing very thin needles at different points on the body. View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What is In Vitro Maturation (IVM)?
In vitro maturation (IVM) is when a woman’s eggs are collected and matured outside the body. This is done as part of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Male infertility evaluation: what do I need to know?
Infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected sex. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Saline infusion sonohysterogram (SHG)
Saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS or SHG) is aprocedure to evaluate the uterus and the shape of the uterine cavity. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Sexual dysfunction and infertility
Sexual dysfunction is a problem in a person’s sexual desire, arousal, or orgasm. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
What are fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also called myomas or leiomyomas) are benign (noncancerous) tumors of muscle tissue found in the uterus. View the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Hyperprolactinemia (High Prolactin Levels)
Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland which sits at the bottom of the brain. Read the fact sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Stress and infertility
It is not clear how exactly stress impacts fertility. Read the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Defining Infertility
Infertility is “the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.” View the Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Fertility Rights and Responsibilities
Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Smoking and infertility
Most people understand that smoking increases the risk for heart, vascular, and lung disease. View the fact sheet![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Coping With Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses various methods of coping with infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition in which endometrial tissue, which normally lines the uterus, develops outside of the uterine cavity in abnormal locations. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Causes of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video![Videos Icon](/globalassets/_icons/videos.png)
Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Diagnostic Testing for Male Factor Infertility
When a couple has trouble having a baby, there's about a 50-50 chance that the man has a problem contributing to the pregnancy.View the Fact Sheet
![Info Icon](/globalassets/_icons/info.png)
FAQ About Infertility
Infertility is not an inconvenience; it's a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction. Learn the facts![Info Icon](/globalassets/_icons/info.png)
FAQ About the Psychological Component of Infertility
Infertility often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. Learn the facts![Patient Ed Icon](/globalassets/_icons/patiented.png)
Mary Dolan's Story
![Infographic Icon](/globalassets/_icons/infographic.png)
Infertility Infographics
ASRM has prepared infographics to illustrate the subject of Infertility better. View the infographicsFact Sheets/Booklets
View more fact sheets and booklets written by the ASRM Patient Education Committee.![Patient Factsheet teaser](/globalassets/_rf/news-and-publications/bookletsfact-sheets/patientfactsheet_teaser.png)
Hormonal Contraception
Hormonal contraceptives contain a progestin (progesterone medicine) with or without an estrogen.![Patient Factsheet teaser](/globalassets/_rf/news-and-publications/bookletsfact-sheets/patientfactsheet_teaser.png)
Embryo Donation: What Should I Know?
In the current practice of in vitro fertilization (IVF), some patients may create more embryos (fertilized eggs) than they need. The extra embryos may be cryopreserved (frozen) so that they can be transferred later.![Patient Factsheet teaser](/globalassets/_rf/news-and-publications/bookletsfact-sheets/patientfactsheet_teaser.png)
Hypothyroidism and pregnancy: what should I know?
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is when the thyroid gland produces less thyroid hormone than it should.![Patient Factsheet teaser](/globalassets/_rf/news-and-publications/bookletsfact-sheets/patientfactsheet_teaser.png)