Can Low Testosterone Cause ED?
Low Testosterone and ED
Low testosterone levels are one of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). If you’re experiencing ED and it’s impacting your sex life, it’s a good idea to check your Testosterone levels for a potential deficiency.
Read on to learn more about why low T can cause ED, and how you can take steps to eliminate your erectile dysfunction.
Testosterone Uses in the Body
Because sex drive and sexual function are closely tied with Testosterone production, low Testosterone levels can lead to ED and decreased libido.
Testosterone is a very important male hormone, or androgen. It’s responsible for several key functions. These include:
- Maintaining sex drive and sexual function
- Regulating body composition
- Aiding in muscle growth
- Developing secondary sex characteristics
When you have low Testosterone, some or all of these functions may be impacted. In addition to ED and loss of sex drive, low T can also lead to weight gain, difficulty building muscle, fatigue, mood disorders like anxiety and depression, and more.
How Can You Treat ED caused by Low Testosterone?
The most comprehensive treatment for ED caused by low Testosterone is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). TRT is an ongoing therapy that addresses the root cause of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms. Replenishing Testosterone levels often stops hormone-related ED completely.
Testosterone can be delivered via injections, topical creams and gels, implantable pellets, and more to help optimize your levels.
ED can also be treated by oral medications like Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), and Vardenafil (Levitra), as well as penile injections like Trimix. These medications do not address the cause of your ED, but they can help you achieve healthy erections.
There are in-clinic procedures that can help treat ED, as well. Shockwave Therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses acoustic waves to repair damaged blood vessels. PRP injections inject restorative platelet rich plasma into the penis to encourage blood vessel repair and growth.
If you want to pursue TRT or other ED therapies, it’s important to work with Men’s Health experts who understand how to create an individualized plan that suits your needs.
When it comes to TRT, hormones are a delicate balance and require careful testing and monitoring so your levels stay elevated over time.
Defy Medical has been offering TRT and ED therapies to men for nearly a decade via telemedicine. We are up to date on the latest advancements in hormone restoration and have the practical experience to help you reach levels that make you feel your best. Contact us to learn more.
What Causes Low Testosterone?
Low Testosterone can have many causes. It’s not always clear what triggers a decrease in Testosterone production.
One of the biggest causes of low Testosterone is aging. As men get older, their natural hormone production may decrease. In fact, low Testosterone affects approximately 40% of men over the age of 45.
Many symptoms that we consider part of aging are actually due to shifting hormone levels. You may experience changes in body composition, difficulty achieving gains at the gym, slower recovery times, less energy, and more.
But age isn’t the only cause of low T.
Other potential causes include:
- Obesity and diabetes
- Certain medications and medical conditions
- Illicit drug use
- Injury or infection of the testes
- Environmental factors like exposure to chemicals
Regardless of age, if you’re experiencing symptoms of low Testosterone like erectile dysfunction, it’s possible you have a deficiency.
We recommend anyone with low T symptoms to get comprehensive blood testing for a better understanding of their hormone health.
How Do You Test for Low Testosterone?
Comprehensive testing is the key to understanding your hormone levels and overall health.
At Defy Medical, we recommend the following test for a complete picture of your hormone and overall health:
- Free and Total Testosterone
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
- Estradiol (Estrogen)
- DHEA-S
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
- Luteinizing Hormone
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF-1)
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Complete Blood Count Panel (CBC)
- Lipid Panel
Tests like Free and Total Testosterone, Estradiol, and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin show your hormone levels and how well they’re utlized by the body. Tests like Thyroid Stimulating Hormone help identify other potential causes of your symptoms, including thyroid disease. Finally, tests like the Metabolic and CBC panels illuminate your overall health, so our providers can treat you appropriately.
TRT to Treat ED with Defy Medical
Erectile dysfunction affects as many as one-third of men. It often causes embarrassment, a lack of satisfaction, and an overall decrease in quality of life.
But there are treatments that can address your ED – potentially for good.
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