Does Low Testosterone Cause ED?
Introduction
Testosterone is responsible for a man's physical development during puberty and influences his health as he ages. Through adulthood, testosterone is essential for sexual function, metabolism, and mental sharpness. Adequate hormone levels help maintain physical and emotional well-being.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition with self-evident symptoms. Low testosterone is also a common condition, but one with signs that are easy to overlook and explain away. Researchers are still untangling the complex relationship between testosterone levels and ED.
Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of both conditions is essential for understanding when it’s appropriate to seek treatment. This article discusses the causes of ED, the signs of hormone change, and how the two intersect.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Researchers estimate that nearly 40% of men over 40 experience low testosterone. The symptoms of low testosterone are often disregarded as expected signs of aging, leading to widespread underdiagnosis.
Two significant symptoms are diminished libido and ED. Changes in sexual desire and the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sex often indicate hormone loss. The extent and persistence of the symptoms depend on the diminished testosterone level.
Altered hormone levels can also change body composition, increasing belly fat and leading to the development of breast tissue. Low testosterone can further alter a man's body by decreasing muscle mass.
Depressed hormone levels also cause mental and emotional symptoms. Trouble focusing, increased forgetfulness, or a "cloudy" feeling are all possible. The condition can also cause anxiety, depression, and irritability.
Fatigue and a loss of vigor are telltale yet ambiguous symptoms. These rundown feelings are easy to overlook as a byproduct of aging. Testosterone loss also disrupts sleep, further obscuring the underlying reason.
Symptoms of ED
The primary symptom of ED is the inability to achieve and keep an erection that is hard enough for sex. Every man's typical erection differs. So do the symptoms of ED. Depending on the level of testosterone loss and other contributing factors, you could experience occasional softer-than-normal erections or be unable to get hard.
Reduced sexual desire is also a common ED symptom. While a man's interest in sex shifts based on his mood and stress level, complete disinterest in sex is not typical. There are no set diagnostic criteria for ED and loss of libido. Every man has a different baseline. You must take a holistic view of changes in your erections and sex drive over an extended period to determine if your symptoms indicate ED.
Depression and withdrawal from relationships are also common symptoms of ED. These emotional signs result from altered self-image or anxiety tied to ED. The stress between a man and his partner due to ED can further exacerbate the condition.
Causes of ED
Identifying the cause of ED is critical for addressing and correcting the condition. The underlying cause dictates what treatments will be effective. ED can result from physical or psychological factors.
Low testosterone can lead to ED, but researchers are still determining the extent of its effects. Hormone loss dampens sex drive, which can exacerbate ED.
Poor cardiac and vascular health are significant causes of ED and typically affect older men. Hardening of the arteries and damage to blood vessels limits blood flow to the penis. Without adequate circulation, erections lose quality regardless of testosterone level.
For some men, emotional disorders and excessive stress can lead to ED. In these cases, spontaneous erections are possible, but it is difficult to become erect when one wants to.
Chronic conditions, including diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and metabolic syndrome, can inhibit a man's ability to obtain erections.
Certain medications cause ED as a side effect. In addition, smoking and excessive alcohol use tax the vascular system, increasing the chance of developing ED.
One of the most common causes of ED is poor overall health. Obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol compromise cardiac health and increase the chance of developing chronic disorders that contribute to ED.
Relationship Between Low Testosterone and ED
While testosterone and erection quality are linked, researchers are still uncovering how the two interact. Erections rely on numerous anatomical processes and underlying health. A man's erectile function provides a glimpse into his overall well-being. ED is often an early sign of many chronic illnesses.
Low testosterone can diminish a man's ability to get and stay hard. However, doctors are unsure about how far levels must drop. It's also possible to have normal testosterone and experience ED.
Testosterone plays two roles in erections. It increases the release of the chemicals in the brain needed for arousal and stimulates the nervous system to activate the blood vessels that maintain hard erections.
Low testosterone also increases the chance of developing obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease, which are major risk factors for ED. Simultaneously, ED can lead to depression and anxiety, which can depress testosterone levels.
Despite this lack of scientific clarity on how the conditions interact, consistent self-monitoring will enable you to spot the signs of each. In addition, the conditions are both treatable, with multiple viable interventions based on their cause and severity.
ED Treatment
One of the first treatments a doctor will recommend is self-care. Eating a balanced diet, doing routine cardiovascular exercise, and losing weight can improve ED by strengthening the heart and naturally improving your testosterone levels. In general, lifestyle modifications that enhance your physical and emotional health can help ED.
If ED results from an underlying health condition, the doctor will treat the illness and monitor for changes in ED symptoms. Sometimes, effectively managing the disorder is enough. If ED persists, the doctor will pursue other treatments.
The most common ED treatment for men with persistent ED is medication. There are multiple formulations with varying onsets and durations. A frank discussion with your doctor and the physical exam will help determine the best option for your case. Medications work for ED caused by restricted blood flow.
Doctors will recommend therapy if ED results from an emotional or psychological condition. Unpacking thoughts and emotions can remove a mental barrier that limits erections, resolving the symptoms.
FAQ
Can testosterone improve erectile dysfunction?
It depends on the case. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) introduces usable testosterone into the bloodstream, serving the same role as naturally produced hormones. If ED results from low testosterone, TRT may be able to help. However, TRT can likely help men improve their body composition, increase mood, and improve libido, which may correct ED symptoms.
Do you need testosterone to get hard?
Yes. An erection requires arousal, connected to libido influenced by testosterone levels, and adequate blood flow, which requires vascular health. While raising testosterone won't necessarily solve ED, it is a vital component of quality erections.
Will Viagra work if you have low testosterone?
Viagra is less effective for men with low testosterone. Doctors often order TRT and ED medication simultaneously to raise usable testosterone in the blood and promote circulation to the penis.
How long does it take testosterone to work for ED?
The timeline depends on the extent of testosterone loss and your sex drive. Many men see results within the first three to four weeks. You usually need a few months of TRT or more before its effects become fully apparent.
What is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction?
Poor vascular health is the most common cause of ED. Damage to the blood vessels that supply the penis with blood and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, compromise a man's ability to get hard by restricting blood flow.
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February 21, 2023
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Avidon Appel
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