{
  "id": 258917,
  "title": "Testosterone and fertility: the trade-off men aren't told about",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/testosterone-and-fertility-the-trade-off-men-arent-told-about-258917",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-07T08:47:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "DW News",
    "slug": "dw-news",
    "url": "https://www.dw.com/en/testosterone-and-fertility-the-trade-off-men-aren-t-told-about/a-78216799?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Testosterone is a hormone primarily responsible for sperm production, much like how a thermostat controls temperature. However, when a man with no medical need takes synthetic testosterone, his body perceives an abnormally high level of the hormone in his system. Consequently, it signals his testes to cease producing natural testosterone, thus inhibiting sperm production. Despite its surge in popularity across social media, gym culture, and wellness forums, testosterone supplementation carries significant risks, including blood clotting disorders, cardiovascular stress, mood instability, and in some cases, permanent fertility damage.\n\nTestosterone levels naturally peak during puberty, typically between the ages of 13 and 15, and gradually decline thereafter. Doctors consider treatment when the level falls below 300 nanograms per deciliter of blood, a measurement obtained through at least two blood tests taken at different times of the day. While lifestyle factors such as sleep, alcohol intake, smoking, drug use, and chronic stress can influence testosterone levels, addressing these issues often suffices and carries no risk associated with hormonal therapy.\n\nTestosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a legitimate medical procedure for men diagnosed with a deficiency, involving injections, pills, or creams. However, an increasing number of men, unaffiliated with any medical necessity, are seeking TRT as a means to enhance their performance. Many acquire it from unregulated online sources, gym contacts, or telehealth services that dispense prescriptions without proper medical evaluation.\n\nWhile some men report feeling stronger, sharper, and more energetic after starting TRT, many of these changes could be attributed to the placebo effect. Despite this, unsupervised use of this hormone presents a high-risk gamble for a potential benefit that may exist only in the mind of the user. Medical advice emphasizes the importance of getting tested, understanding one's baseline level, and treating all other aspects of life—such as websites, influencers, and gym contacts—as mere anecdotes, not medical solutions.",
  "summary": "Testosterone is trending in gyms, on social online and in politics. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth even wants troops screened for low testosterone. But taking supplements can shut down the body's natural production.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Deutsche Welle Science",
        "title": "Testosterone and fertility: the trade-off men aren't told about",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/testosterone-and-fertility-the-trade-off-men-arent-told-about",
        "published": "2026-08-07T08:47:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}