What hormonal problems cause infertility?Reduction of the levels of some hormones can cause infertility. Low production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland can affect testosterone levels in the testes and reduce sperm production. The most common hormonal problems are pituitary tumours or problems with the development of the pituitary leading to a lack of LH/FSH.  Back to top
How are hormonal problems treated?Hormonal (endocrine) problems are rare causes of infertility with about one in 100 infertile men having this problem. However, it is essential that these men are properly diagnosed because effective treatments can sometimes be given. FSH and LH treatments can usually improve sperm production.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) injections (which is similar to LH but has a longer time of action) is given once or twice a week to stimulate the Leydig cells in the testis to make testosterone. After four to six months of treatment, FSH may also be given to stimulate the Sertoli cells if sperm production has not improved using just hCG. Back to top
What are the risks of hormonal treatment?There are very few risks associated with these hormone drugs, but breast tenderness and swelling sometimes occur.
Speak to your doctor to make sure you fully understand any possible side effects when taking medication. Back to top
What are other considerations for men with hormonal problems?Sperm production is a long process (about three months for mature sperm to be produced), so treatment with hCG and/or FSH hormones is usually over a very long period of time, sometimes two or more years. Longer treatment is usually needed for people who did not fully go through all the stages of puberty. Sperm production usually stops when these hormone treatments are withdrawn. Therefore freezing some sperm at the end of treatment for later pregnancies should be considered.
Most of these men receive testosterone treatment for life when not seeking infertility treatment.
 Download: Male Infertility fact sheet PDF (61kb)
Back to top
|
