I've heard of the 'emasculinization' of men in America...but this is ridiculous!

 

Or is it?

 

A new study suggests that testosterone levels drop dramatically after men become fathers.  The findings don't prove that fatherhood directly affects testosterone levels, however there is clear evidence in a shift in the first months after their child is born that levels dip.

 

Humans are nearly unique among mammals because the males actually assist with raising offspring which is seen in only 5 percent of other mammals.

 

Researchers examined results of blood tests of 624 young Philippine men who were followed over 4.5 years. About one-third of them got married or found long-term girlfriends and became fathers; those men were more likely to have higher testosterone levels before becoming fathers.

 

However, once they became fathers, their testosterone levels dipped between 26 percent and 34 percent, depending on what time of day it was measured. That's roughly twice as much as testosterone levels dropped in the single men who didn't become fathers.

What does this suggest? 

 

Currently, it is unknown, however some theories suggest that once a man has mated and produced offspring, the biological thrust has been fulfilled and the need to find a mate is no longer as important.  

Testosterone levels were found to dip even lower in men who directly helped take care of their kids.  Why?  Possibly, a blend of the maternal instinct develops which overrules the natural "hunter-gatherer" type of instinct in men. Also, there is a hormonal change in men which boosts immune function.  Quite possibly this aids in preventing new illnesses from transmission to and from father and child.

 

Or, it could just be that 'love does conquer all'.