The testicles need pituitary hormones to be stimulated to make
sperm. If these are absent or severely decreased, the testes will
not maximally produce sperm. Importantly, men who take androgens
(steroids) for body building, either by mouth or injection, shut
down the production of hormones for sperm production.
A hormonal profile must be performed on all men with male factor
infertility. This will help rule out serious medical conditions,
give more information on the sperm-producing ability of the testes,
and may reveal situations where hormonal treatment is indicated. |
