Fertility

[Lobo]

Good evening, I am an AAS user.
I have been running AAS cycles for over a year (using roughly 1g/week, alternating with "bridge" periods where I take only 200mg of testosterone per week).
I use these bridge periods to allow my blood markers (lipid profile, transaminases, etc.) to recover.
During both the active cycles and the bridge periods, I take 500 IU of HCG every 5 days to prevent testicular atrophy.
Additionally, I have been taking 1mg of finasteride daily for over 20 years.
Three or four years ago, I had several semen analyses performed, and the results were good.
I would like to try to conceive a child now, but I do not want to stop taking AAS (cycles and bridges) at the same time.
My question is: Do the fertility-boosting protocols you recommend also require stopping AAS use?
Is it possible to improve fertility and attempt conception without discontinuing AAS use?

 

[Lord Trenner]

Yo bro, I feel you on not wanting to come off AAS. It's possible to improve fertility while still running cycles, but it's not ideal. The best approach is to come off completely and run a proper PCT with HCG, enclo, and nolva. But if you want to keep cycling, you can try adding in HMG (75-150 IU 2-3x/week) alongside your HCG. This combo can help stimulate spermatogenesis even while on cycle. Just be aware that your chances of conception will be lower than if you came off completely. Good luck bro!

 

[Donvitosharkone]

Good evening, I am an AAS user.
I have been running AAS cycles for over a year (using roughly 1g/week, alternating with "bridge" periods where I take only 200mg of testosterone per week).
I use these bridge periods to allow my blood markers (lipid profile, transaminases, etc.) to recover.
During both the active cycles and the bridge periods, I take 500 IU of HCG every 5 days to prevent testicular atrophy.
Additionally, I have been taking 1mg of finasteride daily for over 20 years.
Three or four years ago, I had several semen analyses performed, and the results were good.
I would like to try to conceive a child now, but I do not want to stop taking AAS (cycles and bridges) at the same time.
My question is: Do the fertility-boosting protocols you recommend also require stopping AAS use?
Is it possible to improve fertility and attempt conception without discontinuing AAS use?

Hi Lobo!

This is one of those situations where the goal matters more than the compounds.

Can pregnancy happen while staying on AAS? Yes, it can. But your chances are generally much lower than if you temporarily come off. HCG helps maintain intratesticular function, but after a year of blasting and bridging it isn’t always enough on its own.

If having a child is genuinely your priority, I’d get a fresh semen analysis first before changing anything.

Don’t guess, measure. If fertility is impaired, then you can make a decision based on facts, not assumptions.

The good news is that many men recover fertility, even after long periods on AAS. The key is being willing to prioritize the goal for a while. Muscles can wait a few months.

Starting a family can’t always. Wishing you the very best bro!

Shark

 

[Lobo]

Thanks, Lord Trenner and Donvitosharkone, for your input. I’ve made a decision: I’m pausing AAS use for a while and have started PCT—partly because using HMG is very expensive and would likely yield lower odds regarding fertility. I don’t have Enclo on hand right now, so I’ve started with Clomid at 50mg/day. I plan to run 50mg for at least two weeks, followed by 25mg for two weeks, and then get blood work done. In response to Lord Trenner, I’d like to say: if my estrogen levels are already at an acceptable level because I lowered them with Arimidex, what is the point of still using Nolva?And another thing: hCG provides an external signal to produce LH, whereas with PCT (and Clomid), I am trying to restore endogenous production. So, what is the point of still using hCG during the PCT phase? Personally, I am opting to use Clomid alone.

 

[Donvitosharkone]

Thanks, Lord Trenner and Donvitosharkone, for your input. I’ve made a decision: I’m pausing AAS use for a while and have started PCT—partly because using HMG is very expensive and would likely yield lower odds regarding fertility. I don’t have Enclo on hand right now, so I’ve started with Clomid at 50mg/day. I plan to run 50mg for at least two weeks, followed by 25mg for two weeks, and then get blood work done. In response to Lord Trenner, I’d like to say: if my estrogen levels are already at an acceptable level because I lowered them with Arimidex, what is the point of still using Nolva?And another thing: hCG provides an external signal to produce LH, whereas with PCT (and Clomid), I am trying to restore endogenous production. So, what is the point of still using hCG during the PCT phase? Personally, I am opting to use Clomid alone.

Thanks Lobo for sharing your thoughts too!

I think you’ve made the right decision… If fertility is now the priority, commit to that goal 100%. Don’t overcomplicate the process by trying to optimize everything at once.

Regarding your questions, Clomid and hCG work at different levels. hCG acts directly on the testes, while Clomid stimulates your own hormonal axis. That’s why they’re often used at different stages or, depending on the case, even together. Nolvadex isn’t there just to lower estrogen either. It has a different role during recovery.

My advice? Keep FU***NG it simple!! Finish your planned protocol, get bloodwork and a semen analysis, then make the next decision based on results, not theory.

You’re doing what matters most: you chose the bigger goal. A cycle can always be repeated.

The opportunity to start a family is far more valuable.

Wishing you all the best, brother.

Shark