Men are taking shortcuts with a drug that kills your sperm and can cause acne and breast growth, warns doc
Millions of American men are on a drug to help with fertility, not knowing they may be “compromising” the very thing they’re trying to protect.That’s what Dr.Justin Dubin, MD, a urologist and director of men’s sexual health at Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, tells The Post.As many as 11 million men are on testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT, in the US.
After all, it’s easier than ever: Online sellers offer scripts without seeing a doctor in person at all.Testosterone takers range from younger folks looking to get more sculpted muscles, to older men looking to boost bone health and focus, while combating fatigue.But sexual health is one of the biggest reasons: Getting extra testosterone will help improve those with low T improve their sex drive, sex performance, and treat erectile dysfunction.As men age, testosterone naturally declines.For those who have trouble making enough naturally, TRT is a common prescription.
Dubin says certain men should avoid it, even if you can get it.“Taking testosterone kills your sperm and causes infertility in men,” he said.“If you are a man interested in future family planning, I do not recommend taking testosterone.”Testosterone doesn’t literally kill sperm, but it does cause sperm production to drop dramatically.
In fact, it was even considered as a contraceptive.Because the body detects enough testosterone, it stops making more.Without testosterone signals, sperm production stops.
In three to six months, many men totally stop producing any sperm.Usually, it takes months, up to two years, for sperm production to return after patients get off TRT.But the return of sperm not guaranteed.
Some people on TRT may stop making sperm permanently.TRT can also shrink your balls.On TRT, all the tubes that are no longer being used as often to release hormones “shut down and shrink,” said Dr.Alexander Pastuszak, a urologist and the CEO of Paterna Biosciences.
Testicles may noticeably wither “within a f...