However, the new method involves implanting specially converted cells into men with low testosterone which then go on to produce the hormone naturally.

The research team behind the discovery said the new technique has “great significance” for developing new avenues of regenerative medicine.

Published in the journal Stem Cell Reports, the study describes how scientists identified 11 factors that affect the ability of Leydig cells to produce testosterone.

Using gene technology, they then created “Leydig-like” cell with the same capability which had been converted from the skin cell of a testosterone-deficient adult mouse.

The new cells survived being transplanted into the testes of the animal, whose hormone levels then returned to normal.

“Our study is the first to report a method for generating Leydig cells by means of direct cell reprogramming,” said co-author Yadong Huang, of Jinan University.