Addisons disease, testosterone injections and conceiving

[Antonia_g123]

Hi guys. .. I guess I'll cut to chase. My partner and I have been together for 3 years almost. He has Addisons disease which means his adrenal glands are pretty much fucked, he is on hydrocortisone for this. Due to his condition he doesn't produce enough testosterone therefore he is prescribed testosterone injections which he has to take every 10 weeks. I was wondering if because of the steroids we will be able to conceive a child in the future? Or whether this will make him sterile? I have been off all contraception since September last year (before then I had the implant for 6 years) and nothing has happened so far which makes me worry and wonder if we will ever have a child. Any information on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Tonii.

 

[JessFR]

Well I don't know for sure, but if his testosterone levels are above the minimum male levels there's no reason I can think of for there to be a problem.

Ideally you should see a fertility specialist, but there are some questions that might shed light on any possible problem.

Did you have the implant removed or has it expired?
And are your periods normal?
How old are you?
Does he have blood work confirming normal male testosterone levels?
Since this is a drug forum and it's relevant to this question, ill ask. Do either of you use opioids regularly?

 

[Antonia_g123]

Hey, thanks for your reply. Okay to answer your questions. .. I am 24, my periods are not that regular it seems that the implant has messed them up because before I got the implant they were fine, completely normal. I had the implant removed because it was coming to the end and yes he is on 50ml of methadone and I am on 4.8mg of bup' I didn't think opiates where a problem, though? I know loads of people who have been or still are on them and haven't had a problem having a child.

Thanks
Tonii

 

[JessFR]

Regular opioid use can affect at the very least female fertility just as it has a disruptive effect on menstration. I don't know about males. So either that or lingering effects from the implant may be causing your difficulties conceiving. My guess would be it's probably your fertility that is the problem rather than his. There's certainly reason to think your fertility is not ideal right now. Which is good in a way, since that means it's probably totally reversible and gives you plenty of possible options for having a child.

It may not be the opiates at all, I have heard of latent effects from contraceptive implants, it should be temporary though. I wouldn't expect bupe to have as much of an impact as methadone, or either to have as much an effect as something like heroin or other opioid drugs. You'd likely need a fertility specialist andor other doctors for more answers.

 

[Antonia_g123]

Thanks, you've really helped me to shed some light on this matter. It crossed my mind that it was to do with the implant because I'm still having the same irregular periods that began once I first got the implant. If it is this how long do you think it would take for my fertility to be back to how it was? With me having had the implant out a year already.
I am apprehensive to go to a specialist or even my doctor about this because I just get lectures and judged about being on bup'

Thanks.

 

[pofacedhoe]

we are not gynaecologists

sorry but you do need to go to your doctor and find out if either of you has fertility problems

no-one on the internet will give you the same kind of conclusive response that having sperm counted etc will bring.

infertility has so many possible causes- see a doctor/ask to see a specialist. dont be put off- its important to you so push for what you want