Does Testosterone Help With Erectile Dysfunction?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
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Does testosterone help with erectile dysfunction (ED)? If so, how does it work and what are the side effects?
There's a lot to understand about ED and the relationship between testosterone levels and sex. However, 30 million men in the USA suffer from impotency.
In this article we shall cover the following points:
- Andropause
- TTH and erections
- Acne
- Enlarged breasts
- Is it safe?
- Summary
Andropause
The first thing to understand is that low testosterone levels affect many parts of the body, including erectile function.
Low testosterone levels can affect the quality of sex life for men, which means that they'll be less satisfied with their sex lives.
Transdermal testosterone improves erections
Transdermal testosterone (TTH) can improve erections for tose suffering from erectile dysfunction.
The gel is applied to the skin and increases blood testosterone levels. While testosterone may improve erection, its use should be based on the biochemical profile of the patient.
Other biochemical parameters to consider include changes in libido, mood, body mass index, bone density, and erectile function.
When symptomatic treatment has failed, transdermal testosterone therapy may be the final option.
Low testosterone levels can be caused by testicular damage, autoimmune disease, and infections.
The symptoms of low testosterone levels may also be caused by metabolic syndrome, a cluster of medical conditions that include high blood pressure and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
Certain medications may also reduce testosterone levels. Testosterone plays a crucial role in sexual function and is necessary for healthy erections.
Erectile dysfunction is primarily a vascular problem, but there are many other factors that can contribute to this disorder.
Several studies have demonstrated that transdermal testosterone may improve erection quality in men with ED.
However, these studies do not show a definitive effect on libido, and more research is needed to determine which levels of testosterone have the greatest impact.
There are also many safety issues related to testosterone. While this supplement may not be for every man, it has been shown to be effective in enhancing erection quality and overall sexual satisfaction.
This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee of the University of Illinois. All subjects provided informed consent.
The severity of the ED was measured using a uroflow rate test and the International Prostate Symptom Scale, which measures the severity of the problem.
A questionnaire was also used to assess hypogonadism in older men. Moreover, the study was conducted on 31 men, of whom 33 received a testosterone cream, while the remaining thirty-one were given placebo.
It is a viable therapy for ED?
Treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) is now available. ED treatments include oral vasoactive therapy, intraurethral vasoactive therapy, topical treatments, hormone replacement, and vascular bypass procedures.
In some cases, penile implants are used as treatment for erectile dysfunction. However, these treatments have their own limitations. For example, some men with ED may be ineligible to undergo penile surgery.
Penile shockwave therapy, also known as low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy, has been used for vascular disease.
Low-intensity sound waves are passed through the erectile tissue to improve blood flow and promote the growth of new blood vessels.
This therapy is not an approved treatment for ED yet, and more clinical trials are needed to determine its safety and effectiveness. In the meantime, ED patients should stick to treatment approved by the FDA.
However, a combination of factors can cause ED. In such a scenario, treating one cause may not solve the problem entirely, especially if other factors are also at play.
To be certain, your physician will want to look deeper for underlying causes. This is because ED can be caused by a combination of psychological and physical problems. In these cases, a medication may only mask the symptoms, but may not be effective.
Other causes of ED include the use of antidepressants, nitrate drugs, and alcohol abuse. In addition to antidepressants, there are also psychological factors such as performance-related anxiety, past trauma, and relationship difficulties.
Psychotherapy, counseling, and anxiety therapies can help patients overcome these issues, as well as treat ED itself. This can help men with ED get an erection.
It can cause acne
Changing hormones are a reason for acne. During puberty, androgenic hormones (androgens) increase, which causes the sebaceous glands to become overactive and produce more sebum.
Certain medications (such as testosterone) can also cause breakouts, so make sure you talk to your dermatologist before taking any. Stress can also worsen your acne condition.
You should also avoid wearing tight collars and backpacks that make your skin oily.
The first stage of acne is clogged pores. Dead skin cells slough off from the surface of the skin inside of the pores.
This traps dead skin cells and oil, causing the pores to become blocked. In addition, trapped oil and dead skin cells also allow bacteria to breed. In addition to the excess oil, the clogged hair follicles allow bacteria to grow and cause acne.
While the body's white blood cells fight the bacteria, these changes can trigger an acne flare-up.
It can cause enlarged breasts
Some men have swollen breasts because of poor diet or herbal products that contain estrogen.
They may also take recreational drugs or alcohol, which alter their hormone levels. Steroids, amphetamines, marijuana, and heroin may cause enlarged male breasts.
In addition, men with high estrogen may experience gynaecomastia, which is a form of enlarged male breasts. High estrogen levels may be the result of suffering from andropause.
Is testosterone safe?
Doctors typically recommend erectile dysfunction drugs as the first line of treatment. These drugs are more effective and generally produce a faster response than testosterone.
However, these drugs only improve sexual function in about 30 percent of men. The good news is that there is an alternative, more natural solution. Military Muscle testosterone booster is a safe and inexpensive way to treat erectile dysfunction. Generic Cialis is a daily medication that helps maintain stronger erections and is widely available.
The reason why men may have ED is unclear. It can be caused by any number of reasons, including hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular conditions, and relationship issues.
However, frequent erectile dysfunction may be an indicator of a more serious underlying health problem. Low T affects energy levels, libido, and sexual health. In addition to its role in sex drive, testosterone is also necessary for healthy sexual function.
In 2014, the FDA issued a warning against testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), saying that these products could increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Hence, doctors should focus on the underlying cause of the decline in testosterone levels, like overweight or a sedentary lifestyle. In order to properly diagnose erectile dysfunction, doctors should also evaluate the health of the penis as a dipstick.
For men who are over 60 years old, testosterone replacement therapy should be considered as a last resort, says Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, an associate clinical professor of urology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Summary
The link between low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction is complex. Many men can get firm erections with a normal testosterone level, and testosterone replacement therapy will do no good in such cases.
Furthermore, men with normal testosterone levels can also benefit from testosterone replacement therapy, although the benefits are temporary.
While it is not a cure for erectile dysfunction, it can help restore sexual performance and health in men suffering from low levels of the hormone.
