MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 22, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary
home > sexual health center > sexual health a-z list > testosterone therapy to treat ed index > testosterone therapy to treat ed article
Font Size
A
A
A



The Cleveland Clinic

Erectile Dysfunction: Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles and is responsible for the proper development of male sexual characteristics. Testosterone is also important for maintaining muscle bulk, adequate levels of red blood cells, bone growth, sense of well-being and sexual function.

Inadequate production of testosterone is not a common cause of erectile dysfunction; however, when ED does occur due to decreased testosterone production, testosterone replacement therapy may improve the problem.

What Causes Testosterone Deficiency?

As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Other causes of lowered testosterone levels include:

  • Injury or infection to the testicles
  • Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer
  • Genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter's Syndrome (extra X chromosome)
  • Hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body)
  • Dysfunction of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that produces many important hormones)
  • Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs)
  • Medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs
  • Chronic illness
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Stress
  • Alcoholism

The significance of testosterone decline is controversial and poorly understood.




Next: What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency? »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • testosterone gel-topical, Androgel, Testim - Consumer information about the medication TESTOSTERONE GEL - TOPICAL (Androgel, Testim), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug TESTOSTERONE GEL - TOPICAL.
  • Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) - Read about erectile dysfunction (ED) / impotence includes what it is, how ED is diagnosed, and treatment options.
  • testosterone-transdermal, Androderm, Testoderm TTS - Consumer information about the medication TESTOSTERONE - TRANSDERMAL (Androderm, Testoderm TTS), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug TESTOSTERONE - TRANSDERMAL.
Read more Testosterone Therapy to Treat ED related articles »

Latest Medical News


Urgency, Strain, Lack of Control...

 Uroxatral
Urgency, Strain, Lack of Control...

Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.

Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.

UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.

If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.

Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.

Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.

BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.

The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.

Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.



Privacy Policy

Sex & Relationships

Get tips to boost your love life.

Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain


From WebMD

Men's Health Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Testosterone Therapy to Treat ED

Sexual Health: FAQs About Sex and Relationships »

What is the most common cause of sex problems among couples?

While they can take many forms, sex problems are defined as any physical or emotional issue that prevents a couple from achieving a mutually satisfying intimate relationship. Among the most common for men include prostate problems, a decrease in the blood supply to the penis due to diabetes, heart disease or other health concerns, nerve damage to the spinal cord, or a decrease in the hormone testosterone. In women common problems include a lack of desire caused by a decrease in the hormone estrogen, thyroid disorders (which can also affect some men), and pain during intercourse caused by any number of vaginal problems, including a lack of lubrication.

Some couples also find that the use of certain drugs can also cause sexual problems. These include alcohol, nicotine, narcotics, stimulants, some blood pressure drugs, antihistamines, and certa...

Read the Sexual Health: FAQs About Sex and Relationships article »




Latest Sexual Health News


Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.