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Testosterone Trouble explores the paradoxical ways in which the very culture that promotes strength, vitality can undermine the fundamental aspects of male reproductive health.
Men aspiring to start families should avoid extreme routines and unregulated supplements and consult medical experts before adopting intense fitness programs.
In recent years, there has been a tremendous rise in fitness culture among young men to adopt healthier lifestyles. However, the majority of young men engage in intense fitness routines in order to enhance their physical performance and appearance, thereby indirectly affecting their fertility levels. Testosterone Trouble – a condition caused by complex interplay of hormonal disruption, physical stress, and the misuse of performance-enhancing substances puts man’s ability to conceive at risk. This condition explores the paradoxical ways in which the very culture that promotes strength and vitality can actually undermine the fundamental aspects of male reproductive health.
Dr. Prasanta Kumar Nayak, MBBS, MD-OBG, Clinical Head and Fertility Specialist shares all you need to know:
By engaging in intense and prolonged fitness routines disrupts key reproductive hormones such as Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). Increased cortisol levels brought on by prolonged exercise can also lower testosterone, which lowers sperm production. Additionally, prolonged use of a sauna or prolonged cycling, intense cardio, etc., raises scrotal temperature, which interferes with sperm production and quality. Overtraining can also lead to oxidative stress, DNA damage in sperm, and chronic inflammation, all of which undermine fertility. Extreme diet controls, stress, and sleep deprivation also interfere with hormone regulation and good reproductive health. Moreover, one of the popular myths among men is that high testosterone is equal to high fertility, which adds to the infertility issue.
Today, apart from fitness, the most concerning threat one should be aware of is the use of anabolic steroids, which are consumed by men for developing muscular physiques and suppress the body’s natural hormone production, potentially leading to reduced or even zero sperm count. Alarmingly, some protein powders and performance supplements may be contaminated with hormone-disrupting agents without users’ knowledge.
Finally, engaging in intense fitness routines harms overall wellness. Hence, it is advised that one should engage in a moderate fitness routine, as it aids in overall health and wellness, especially reproductive health. Men aspiring to start families should avoid extreme routines and unregulated supplements and consult medical experts before adopting intense fitness programs.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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