1. Choices in Testosterone Replacement for Erectile Dysfunction
If a doctor has diagnosed the cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) to be low testosterone, several options are available for delivery of the hormone into the body. You can take it orally in a pill on a daily basis. However, some men may choose to receive an injection every two to three weeks instead. In addition, a patch is available that a man can wear on his body or scrotum. Lastly, there is a testosterone gel or a medication that a man can apply to his teeth twice daily. Speak with your doctor about which option is most convenient for you and whether testosterone replacement for erectile dysfunction is what you need.
2. Low Testosterone Unlikely Cause of ED
Testosterone decline is actually not a common cause of erectile dysfunction, but it does happen. In fact, controversies rage about how low testosterone levels may affect the body. Although a doctor can detect low testosterone levels in the blood, he may not know whether that is the cause of a man's erectile dysfunction. The doctor needs to draw blood a few times throughout the day because it is normal for the hormone levels to fluctuate. A blood draw early in the morning is important because this is when testosterone is at its highest level.
3. Few Risks With Testosterone Therapy
Men should rule out prostate cancer with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a rectal exam before starting testosterone therapy. Men who have either breast or prostate cancer shouldn't take testosterone. Although the drug is safe, some side effects can occur. You may develop acne or oily skin, fluid retention, and/or changes in urination such as decreased stream or frequency. More troublesome side effects that can occur are breast enlargement, a decrease in testicular size and/or worsening symptoms of sleep apnea.
4. Testosterone Affects More Than Sexual Characteristics
While most people associate testosterone with male sexual characteristics, it's also responsible for maintaining muscle mass, bone and proper levels of red blood cells. Testosterone affects sexual function and a man's sense of well-being. A decreased level of the hormone can cause depression, loss of sexual drive, erectile dysfunction or difficulty with concentration.
5. Testosterone Decline Normal With Age
Testosterone begins to decline in males around age 30. Injury, infection or chronic illness can also cause a fluctuation in testosterone levels, as can certain diseases such as sarcoidosis. Medications, including chemotherapy, corticosteroids and other hormones, can all affect the levels of testosterone. Some causes of a decline in this hormone would not seem to have a direct effect, including too much iron in the blood, alcoholism or stress. Disease or dysfunction of some organs and glands may be the cause, too, such as chronic kidney failure, liver cirrhosis and dysfunction of the pituitary gland.
