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Medical Author:

Dennis Lee, MD

Dennis Lee, MD

Dr. Lee was born in Shanghai, China, and received his college and medical training in the United States. He is fluent in English and three Chinese dialects. He graduated with chemistry departmental honors from Harvey Mudd College. He was appointed president of AOA society at UCLA School of Medicine. He underwent internal medicine residency and gastroenterology fellowship training at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

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Medical Author:

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Siamak T. Nabili, MD, MPH

Dr. Nabili received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), majoring in chemistry and biochemistry. He then completed his graduate degree at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His graduate training included a specialized fellowship in public health where his research focused on environmental health and health-care delivery and management.

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Medical Editor:

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• What is erectile dysfunction?
• How common is erectile dysfunction?
• What is normal penis anatomy?
• How does erection occur?
• How is erection sustained?
• What are some of the risk factors for erectile dysfunction?
• What are the causes of erectile dysfunction?
• How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
• What are the treatments for erectile dysfunction?
• What medications are used to treat erectile dysfunction?
• Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors
• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Vardenafil (Levitra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Intracavernosal injections
• Intraurethral suppositories
• How effective is testosterone in treating erectile dysfunction?
• Can low testosterone level be replaced?
• Vacuum devices
• Surgery for erectile dysfunction
• What will the future bring for erectile dysfunction?
• Erectile Dysfunction At A Glance
• Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction, ED) FAQs
• Patient Comments: Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) - Share Your Experience
• Find a local Urologist in your town
• Impotence (ED) Index

In patients with hypogonadism, testosterone treatment can improve libido and erectile dysfunction, but the response of erectile dysfunction in men with hypogonadism to testosterone is not complete; many men still may need additional oral medications such as sildenafil, vardenafil, or tadalafil.

In men 40 years of age or older, a breast examination, digital examination of the prostate, and a PSA level (prostate specific antigen) blood test should be done to exclude breast and prostate cancer before starting testosterone treatment since testosterone can aggravate breast and prostate cancers. Patients who have breast and prostate cancers or are suspected of having them should not use testosterone.

Blood testosterone levels can be measured to detect deficiency. Although, there is no clear cut testosterone level to define hypogonadism, levels lower than 250 nanograms per deciliter are considered low, and levels of greater than 350 nanograms per deciliter are considered normal. Testosterone levels in between these numbers may be labeled indeterminate.

Certain medications can alter the gonadal function, including thiazide diuretics, some seizure medications, long-acting oral opiate pain medications, antipsychotic medications, and oral steroids.

Because of potential adverse effects and complex metabolism, the use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is limited to men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction and a testosterone level of less than 200 nanogram per deciliter. Preparations available in the U.S. are topical, injectable, and transbuccal (placing inside mouth between the cheek and upper gum) testosterone. Oral preparations are not available in the U.S.

Common side effects of testosterone replacement therapy include local irritations, prostate enlargement, breast tissue enlargement, aggravation of breast and prostate cancers, depression, elevation of red blood cell count (polycythemia), or worsening of congestive heart failure.