Freezing sperm before starting TRT?

[yeahbuddy289]

I am 26 years old and have been put on TRT. I havent started it yet in fear of not being able to have kids. I have ran a couple cycles which worries me in regards to my fertility. I was wondering if getting a fertility test is something I could talk to my endo. about? And if its something he could do for me and all is well, maybe I could freeze some sperm as a plan b. Do you guys think this is something my endo can help me with? Or would I have to look elsewhere. Also, any chance of insurance covering any of it or am I pretty much on my own?

[Rapplecore]

Hey Buddy... I am about to start on TRT and have the same concerns regarding kids - there is a signifigant difference though, I'm 42. None-the-less, my dad had me around the same age and I definitely want the opportunity in the next couple of years or so if it arises. I don't have any info yet regarding the process yet as my doctor's appt is in a few weeks. After doing some research, it seems like it's going to be around $1000 to start the chryo process and then ~$250/yr to store it. One way or another, you should get tested if you are concerned about your fertility. It shouldn't be a big deal - freezing it is where is starts getting a little expensive.

I'm interested in seeing how your story unfolds.

[yeahbuddy289]

Yeah freezing sperm isn't cheap... I wish I had the money to just do it. That is assuming I'm not shooting blanks. I think it's something I'll bring up with my endo at my next appointment.

[Input55]

I agree with getting it tested if you are concerned. There is a published study about the use of hcg to maintain fertility while on trt - results were positive. You will likely want hcg regardless to prevent testicular atrophy.

[yeahbuddy289]

I asked my endo about hcg and he said it's usually too expensive and insurance won't cover it. Which seems odd to me because I've used hcg for my cycles and it wasn't expensive at all.

[APIs]

Endo will likely refer you to a fertility specialist for the test. This would be an option to pursue, but your sperm production may already be tanked from your current situation and past AS use. A positive would be that if you're already low, the fertility specialist would probably put you on a clomid regimen to get your sperm count up and then the transition to weekly TRT would be easy. Regardless, you'll have to address this before starting TRT. Use of HCG keeps many guys fertile, but it's not guaranteed and a viable concern if you want kids some day...

[yeahbuddy289]

Endo had me on 50mg of Clomid a day and I responded well numbers wise, but I didn't really feel any better. So he said I could try test. But I haven't yet in fear of becoming sterile.