Can Testosterone Therapy Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the chronic inability to produce or sustain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. ED can be caused by a variety of reasons, and the onset could either be gradual or sudden. It can be quite unpleasant and cause great tension and concern. 

The ED experience is not the same for all men, and each has its own experience depending on the severity of the condition. Many men do not seek medical help for this and resort to Viagra and other illegal drugs to improve their sexual function.

With increased awareness, many men come forward to seek professional help. Nearly 30 million men in the United States are identified to have ED. Because erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of other conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, you must get medical attention.

Men with low testosterone levels typically have a diminished libido and desire for sex. Reduced testosterone levels might also make you feel tired and sluggish, which contributes to your lack of enthusiasm for sex with your partner. Fortunately, testosterone therapy enhances your sex desire, restoring your youthful interest. 

Low testosterone may impair your performance during sex and can have a range of negative impacts on men's sexual performance, which include:

• Sexual dysfunction
• Difficulty keeping an erection
• Lack of energy to perform sexually
• Less pleasurable orgasms

Testosterone treatment can help with many sexual performance issues and can even reverse erectile dysfunction. You will also have more orgasms, increasing your desire for sex.

With the increased energy and muscle mass that testosterone replacement treatment provides, you will have greater strength to endure longer during sex. This provides a more satisfying physical connection and improved emotional intimacy. Moreover, you will be able to strengthen your bond and develop your relationship.

You must consult your doctor if you have not had an erection in three months. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and note down all the symptoms.

Low testosterone symptoms or indicators may include:

• Decreased sex desire
• Loss of body hair
• Breast development
• Reduced growth of beard (need to shave less frequently)
• A decrease in muscle size and strength
• Bones that break more readily

The testicles may be noted to be smaller than usual. If you exhibit some of these symptoms, your doctor may order a blood test to determine your testosterone levels. The blood test should be repeated several times. It is ideal to do it first thing in the morning when testosterone levels are at their peak.

If the tests reveal low testosterone levels, your doctor should investigate the causes. A pituitary gland dysfunction may cause low levels of testosterone. If no other reason is established, testosterone therapy can be tried.

In men with low testosterone production (hypogonadal males) who respond poorly to PDE5 inhibitors alone, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been reported to improve PDE5 inhibitor efficacy. Researchers have shown that TRT in hypogonadal males can enhance erectile function even without the assistance of PDE5 medications. TRT is reasonably safe, and men may benefit from the improved erectile function.

However, the U.S. FDA has published a safety alert about TRT. It states that the benefit and safety of these drugs have not been proven and the companies that produce testosterone for therapy must include information on their labels regarding a potentially elevated risk of heart attacks and strokes among testosterone users.

There are several methods for delivering testosterone to the body. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but bioidentical formulas are generally the safest and most effective. Bioidentical refers to testosterone molecules identical to those generated by the human body.

The human body poorly absorbs synthetic testosterone. Although it normally has the desired testosterone-raising effect, it may create unwanted adverse effects.

The following are the testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) methods that are used most often:

• Injection
  • It is the most used application method nowadays.
  • The injection can be delivered in a muscle or beneath the skin by a doctor, nurse, or even the patient himself. 
  • Testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate are the drugs used.
  • Both drugs are testosterone derivatives, which may induce a rash or cause discomfort at the injection site. 
• Cream or gel
  • These formulations are bioidentical testosterone and are typically delivered as a gel or cream. 
  • A measured quantity is applied to the skin. 
  • It is regarded as the most preferable mode of delivery because the daily application can help maintain normal testosterone levels. 
• Pellets
  • They are implanted beneath the skin and, in theory, supply a consistent, low amount of the hormone inside the body.
  • This hormone treatment is mostly used by women.
• Pills
  • Testosterone hormone tablets for oral use are readily accessible. 
  • However, due to the risk of serious liver damage, most doctors strongly discourage the use of these pills.
• Other forms
  • These include skin patches, gum, cheek patches, and nasal inhalers.
  • These are not used widely, and there is little information on their safety or effectiveness.

Treatment with testosterone might cause the body to retain an excessive amount of fluid. Acne, an enlarged prostate, and enlarged breasts are some of the possible side effects. Other adverse effects include decreased fertility, an increase in red blood cell count, which can lead to heart disease, a rise in sleep apnea symptoms, and an increased risk of prostate cancer developing early.

Women and children should avoid contacting unwashed or naked skin regions where a man has applied testosterone gel as skin contact allows the gel to be transmitted.

Risks associated with testosterone therapy

All types of testosterone replacement treatment have the same risks, which include:

• Excessive production of red blood cells
• Increased risk of blood clot formation
• Gynecomastia (enlargement of the breasts)
• Worsening or development of sleep apnea
• Development of acne

When a man starts utilizing testosterone replacement medication, his risks can quickly escalate, especially if his condition has not been thoroughly examined.