BigStu81
New member
Hey guys, how's it going?
I've been thinking about this a bit lately and could do with some advice.
I've already read a few of the many threads to be found online but decided to create my own as my options here in the UK are perhaps different from in the US (and also because I want a two way discussion).
Been on TRT for just over a year (Tostran/Fortesta with no AI) and it's working well at my current dose - all labs within range and T levels between approx 700-1000 ng/dl (seems to vary a bit depending on several things, including whether I apply lotion afterwards).
Looking back, I was pretty miserable before starting TRT. Hated my career but didn't know what to do, was lethargic/depressed, carrying too much weight, and had a crap sex drive compounded by the frustration that I was fairly good at getting dates but struggled with the sexual side.
Fast forward a year and I'm a different person. Changed career for the better and have good prospects/satisfaction now. Am in fairly good shape again and was dating a hot girl from work before I moved city. Confidence/ambition/libido through the roof too. It's like I now have the drive to fulfil the ambitions I always had (sorry if this is all a bit cheesy!).
However, the family side is the only element that has me confused.
I had never ruled it out previously, but with so many immediate concerns it just seemed a lifetime away. By my early 30s (I'm 36 now) I reflected that I'd probably missed the boat but didn't really care.
However, with my newfound security and focus, I can for the first time imagine being a parent, even if it's not a pressing concern. This is likely due to having spent a lot of time with my two nieces (4 and 6), my nephew (6 months) and my godson (8) who I babysit a lot. It's almost like I realised it's not some sort of arcane magic and that I could do this too in the right situation.
I'm now back on the dating scene and reflecting that a lot of women in their early 30s are likely to want kids in the future (or at least the option). HCG isn't prescribed over here and the typical recommendation seems to be just stopping TRT for a few months whilst trying. However, not currently being in a relationship I don't see how this would help me.
What are my options to preserve any remaining fertility? I almost wish I'd frozen some sperm, especially as my boys weren't particularly big to start with according the my private doc.
I'm finally now on the NHS, but thankfully still under the care of my private doctor (who also consults for the NHS). It's a good deal which I'm keen to maintain as I get my treatment paid for but don't have to deal with a shitty NHS endo and their stupid guidelines like 'aiming for 15 nmols' (433 ng/dl) and I also have access to an AI if
needed through this consultant. He also uses Clomid to do restarts (very forward thinking for the UK) and originally wanted me to do this. However, at my age I was sceptical of how far my natural production would take me and chose testosterone instead (partly through fear of finding myself in the low normal range in future years and being denied further treatment).
Sorry for the long post but I really want to try and resolve this in my head. My best mate's girlfriend is trying to set me up with her 31yo mate - right now I'm thinking of just sacking that option off and sticking to online dating where I can select 'do not want kids', which would be a real missed opportunity. I don't want to have to drop all this on a new love interest but it's a pretty big consideration not to be honest about I feel.
What are my options aside from accepting a childless future (which doesn't bother me right now but is something I might come to regret). I can't really afford to go cold turkey with my new job anytime soon - last time I went without TRT for a week I could barely get out of bed.
I've been thinking about this a bit lately and could do with some advice.
I've already read a few of the many threads to be found online but decided to create my own as my options here in the UK are perhaps different from in the US (and also because I want a two way discussion).
Been on TRT for just over a year (Tostran/Fortesta with no AI) and it's working well at my current dose - all labs within range and T levels between approx 700-1000 ng/dl (seems to vary a bit depending on several things, including whether I apply lotion afterwards).
Looking back, I was pretty miserable before starting TRT. Hated my career but didn't know what to do, was lethargic/depressed, carrying too much weight, and had a crap sex drive compounded by the frustration that I was fairly good at getting dates but struggled with the sexual side.
Fast forward a year and I'm a different person. Changed career for the better and have good prospects/satisfaction now. Am in fairly good shape again and was dating a hot girl from work before I moved city. Confidence/ambition/libido through the roof too. It's like I now have the drive to fulfil the ambitions I always had (sorry if this is all a bit cheesy!).
However, the family side is the only element that has me confused.
I had never ruled it out previously, but with so many immediate concerns it just seemed a lifetime away. By my early 30s (I'm 36 now) I reflected that I'd probably missed the boat but didn't really care.
However, with my newfound security and focus, I can for the first time imagine being a parent, even if it's not a pressing concern. This is likely due to having spent a lot of time with my two nieces (4 and 6), my nephew (6 months) and my godson (8) who I babysit a lot. It's almost like I realised it's not some sort of arcane magic and that I could do this too in the right situation.
I'm now back on the dating scene and reflecting that a lot of women in their early 30s are likely to want kids in the future (or at least the option). HCG isn't prescribed over here and the typical recommendation seems to be just stopping TRT for a few months whilst trying. However, not currently being in a relationship I don't see how this would help me.
What are my options to preserve any remaining fertility? I almost wish I'd frozen some sperm, especially as my boys weren't particularly big to start with according the my private doc.
I'm finally now on the NHS, but thankfully still under the care of my private doctor (who also consults for the NHS). It's a good deal which I'm keen to maintain as I get my treatment paid for but don't have to deal with a shitty NHS endo and their stupid guidelines like 'aiming for 15 nmols' (433 ng/dl) and I also have access to an AI if
needed through this consultant. He also uses Clomid to do restarts (very forward thinking for the UK) and originally wanted me to do this. However, at my age I was sceptical of how far my natural production would take me and chose testosterone instead (partly through fear of finding myself in the low normal range in future years and being denied further treatment).
Sorry for the long post but I really want to try and resolve this in my head. My best mate's girlfriend is trying to set me up with her 31yo mate - right now I'm thinking of just sacking that option off and sticking to online dating where I can select 'do not want kids', which would be a real missed opportunity. I don't want to have to drop all this on a new love interest but it's a pretty big consideration not to be honest about I feel.
What are my options aside from accepting a childless future (which doesn't bother me right now but is something I might come to regret). I can't really afford to go cold turkey with my new job anytime soon - last time I went without TRT for a week I could barely get out of bed.
