If Exogenous Testosterone Doesn’t Reach the Testes, How Are Some Men Still Fertile?
One of the biggest myths in the world of anabolic steroids is this:
👉 “If you’re on testosterone, your balls shut down, so you can’t make a baby.”
That’s partially true — but not entirely.
In this post, we’ll break down:
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Why testosterone doesn’t reach the testes
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Why some men still get their partner pregnant on cycle
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And why others become temporarily infertile
💉 Testosterone Injections: Bypassing the Testes
When you inject exogenous testosterone (like Test E, Test C, or Propionate), your blood levels rise — but your testes don’t make any of it.
Why?
Because:
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Your brain detects high testosterone
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It shuts down LH & FSH (the hormones that stimulate sperm and testosterone production in the testes)
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As a result, Leydig cells go silent, and sperm production drops
This leads to:
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Testicular shrinkage
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Suppressed sperm count
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Risk of infertility
So the logic is sound:
If there’s no LH, the testes are off. Then how is pregnancy still possible?
🧠 The Truth: Suppression Isn’t Always Complete or Instant
1. High Baseline Sperm Count = More Buffer
Some men start with super-high sperm counts. Even after LH suppression, they still have enough active sperm left in their system to cause pregnancy.
Think of it like a full tank of water — it takes time to empty even after the main valve is shut.
2. Sperm Take ~70 Days to Be Cleared
It takes 64–74 days to make new sperm (spermatogenesis).
So even after starting a testosterone cycle, your pre-cycle sperm is still active for 2–3 months.
👉 That’s why many pregnancies happen early in the cycle, before full shutdown occurs.
3. Dose & Compound Matter
Not all cycles suppress you equally:
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Mild TRT-level testosterone may only cause partial suppression
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Heavy stacks with Tren, Deca, or DHT derivatives often cause complete shutdown
If a user is on a low or moderate dose, there may still be enough residual fertility.
4. Genetics Play a Role
Some men are naturally resistant to suppression.
Their HPTA (hormonal axis) bounces back faster or never fully shuts down.
This makes fertility outcomes highly individual.
5. Use of HCG or SERMs During Cycle
Athletes who use HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin) mimic LH and keep testes active.
This helps preserve:
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Intratesticular testosterone
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Spermatogenesis
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Testicular volume
Others might unknowingly be using fertility-preserving agents that reduce the risk of infertility.
❌ Why Some Men Become Completely Infertile on Cycle
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Long cycles with no HCG or fertility support
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Use of harsh suppressive compounds like Trenbolone, Nandrolone, or high-dose orals
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Pre-existing low sperm count
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Poor diet, sleep, or chronic stress
These factors worsen suppression and make recovery harder.
🧬 Conclusion: Testosterone Isn’t a Contraceptive
Testosterone suppresses—but doesn’t guarantee infertility.
Some men will still be fertile for weeks or months into their cycle. Others might not recover even after months off.
If fertility matters, use:
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HCG during cycle
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Clomid/Nolvadex post-cycle
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Regular semen analysis
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Medical-grade fertility protocols
Written by:
Coach Varun Dhir
Founder – The Bodybuilding Doctor & Team Muscle Factory
Website: www.thebodybuildingdoctor.in
