Low Testosterone and ED

Although men rarely discuss erectile dysfunction (ED) in public spaces or with their doctor, the medical condition is much more common than some may think and can occur to any adult male at any time in their life.

Currently, erectile dysfunction affects 30 million men in the United States, and with each generation of the male population, that number continues to grow. Unfortunately, most men assume that ED is a medical condition that only affects older adults in their 60s and 70s, but that’s only partly true, as more recent studies show that younger men in their 30s and 40s are also just as susceptible to erectile dysfunction.

Among all the many potential causes of ED, scientists have found that erectile dysfunction is more likely to occur once a man’s androgen hormones have begun to decline.

WHAT’S THE LINK BETWEEN ED AND LOW TESTOSTERONE?

Testosterone is a hormone that influences sexual desire (libido) and the ability to achieve and maintain an erection. When testosterone levels are low, it can affect the body's ability to produce nitric oxide, a chemical that is necessary for erections. This can lead to difficulties in achieving and maintaining an erection. 

Erections depend on testosterone, but the relationship between the two is complex and not fully understood. Some men have healthy erections despite testosterone levels well below the normal range.

What is clear is that low testosterone levels are linked to a number of the same chronic conditions that play a role in erectile dysfunction, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

SEXUAL DESIRE

Low testosterone can significantly decrease sexual arousal, which is crucial in stimulating an erection.

FATIGUE

As your testosterone levels decline, you’re more likely to experience daily fatigue, making it more challenging to engage in physical activity. But, of course, that can also make men less interested in having sex with their partners, which can make achieving an erection more challenging.

WEIGHT GAIN

Because Low T is a type of hormone imbalance, it can also change your body’s shape. As your hormone levels decline, you will likely gain more weight and feel too exhausted to exercise regularly. Eventually, the lack of physical activity will also lead to additional body fat and potential obesity, increasing the chances of erectile dysfunction.

If I have erectile dysfunction, will testosterone therapy help?

Due to low testosterone’s effect on the male anatomy, testosterone treatments have become increasingly popular among men hoping to boost their testosterone levels and treat their erectile dysfunction.

While erectile dysfunction can be caused by several different reasons, we would require lab testing to rule out low testosterone as one factor. By improving and optimizing diminished testosterone levels through TRT, men can increase their sex drive and achieve long-lasting firm erections for optimal sexual performance.

Partnering alongside you, we personalize treatment plans to assist with erectile dysfunction and sexual health.