Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by both males and females. This hormone is naturally much higher in males and it plays a key role in the development of many male characteristics (e.g., hair growth, vocal cord lengthening, etc.). And, of course, your testosterone levels are critical for sperm production (spermatogenesis) as well as being an excellent indicator of testicular health. 

Also referred to as male hypogonadism, Low-T can occur in any male regardless of their age. Different symptoms can develop depending on your age and the condition’s severity. You may receive a Low-T diagnosis when your blood testosterone drops to less than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), although new data suggests that an age adjusted testosterone level may be a better assessment of testosterone deficiency.

We offer the most comprehensive options for exogenous testosterone. When used alone, these options will likely compromise your sperm production and negatively impact your fertility. Be sure to talk to our team about family building before starting one of these medications.

Exogenous TRT

Topical Testosterone Gels – These are the easiest and most common modalities, and are applied to your shoulders daily.

Oral Testosterone Supplements – Typically taken twice/day by mouth, oral supplements are easy, well-tolerated, and there’s no risk of liver damage.

Subcutaneous Injections – Whether you get autoinjectors or needle administration, Low-T injections will be given multiple times per week to stabilize your hormone levels.

Intramuscular Injections – This is the most common testosterone replacement strategy because it’s low-cost and effective. The injections are administered to the thigh/upper quadrant of the buttocks weekly and your options include the injections listed above and other anabolics.

Testosterone Pellets – These are administered via a quick, 15-minute in-office procedure. The pellet is inserted at a small puncture site under the skin and dissolves over 3-6 months allowing stable levels over a longer period of time.

Intranasal Testosterone – This is a fast-acting, nasally administered testosterone medication. It’s a great option for those wishing to preserve sperm production or avoid needles.

Testosterone Enhancing Treatments

Fertility-Preserving Testosterone Enhancement are designed to increase your natural testosterone production while preserving fertility. Testosterone Enhancement Treatments include:

Oral Medications:

• Medication that increases LH and FSH signaling to the testicles to increase testosterone production and sperm production
• Medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, therefore increasing testosterone levels, decreasing estradiol and indirectly increasing LH and FSH signaling to the testicles to further increase testosterone production and sperm production

Injectable Medication:

• Medication that mimics LH and signals the testicle to increase testosterone production

Male hypogonadism or low testosterone may be an indicator of poor testicular function. Testosterone is important for sperm production, and low testosterone can be associated with male infertility. For some men, assessing hormone levels and treating abnormalities can improve fertility.

Exogenous testosterone therapies can shut down the body’s natural production of testosterone and sperm, leading to infertility. For some men, this can even result in azoospermia, the complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate. Posterity Health reproductive urologists are experts in both testosterone treatment and male fertility, and they will design a plan that incorporates your family planning goals.

Our goal is to provide affordable care. Posterity Health provides care nationally for Progyny, Maven, Carrot, and Kindbody members. Commercial insurance coverage varies by state and plan, we will be glad to check your eligibility.Posterity Health also provides financing through Care Credit and discounts through Livestrong Fertility. You can also use your HSA/FSA account to pay for our services.