Interesting paper released relating to male contraceptive methods. Male contraception is a side effect of testosterone replacement therapy. Traditional methods of contraception revolve around the vasectomy surgical procedure. The benefit of using synthetic testosterone is the non-surgical nature and potential for reversal.
Research is limited, but the authors cite two research studies with 2,356 male participants (18 to 50 years of age). Testosterone dosage follow the exact same parameters as TRT patients:
“Administration of exogenous testosterone or equivalent androgenic compounds form an obligatory part of male hormonal contraception; it is appropriate to follow the clinical guidelines on the testosterone replacement therapy for male hypogonadism.”
Now the interesting findings relate to how long it takes the patients sperm levels to return to normal after they cease using the contraceptive exogenous testosterone (for patients using up to 30 months):
“The median recovery time was 3.4 (95% CI 3.2−3.5) months with a highly predictable trajectory of recovery of spermatogenesis (to concentrations of 20 M/mL): 67%, 90% and 100% of all men expected to recover by 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively—the rate of recovery being dependent upon treatment duration.”
Although this paper does not specifically relate to testosterone replacement therapy, it does provide a glimpse into the recovery length for those opting to use testosterone for performance enhancing purposes. Typical internet bro science around natural testosterone level recovery is murky at best but here is some actual science pointing to full sperm count recovery potential. The key driver appears to be the duration of time the body is exposed to exogenous testosterone and thus the time that the body’s natural production is shut down.
Paper Citation:
Wu FCW, Lo K. Initiating male contraception methods. Andrology. 2024 Jul 29. doi: 10.1111/andr.13694. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39073522.
