Does Low Testosterone Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction – the inability to achieve or maintain a firm erection – is a complicated issue. But while the causes of “ED” are many, the end result is always the same: frustration and embarrassment.
In this article the hormone replacement experts at SottoPelle discuss the complex relationship between erectile dysfunction and testosterone.
Low Testosterone’s Relationship to Erectile Disfunction
The many ads and commercials for testosterone boosting supplements would lead one to thing that “Low T” is the main cause of “ED.” But – like much of what you see on TV and online – that’s not completely true. Low testosterone by itself — with no other health problems – rarely causes erectile dysfunction. Only a small number of healthy men with low testosterone alone experience erectile dysfunction.
However, “Low T” does indeed contribute to the “big picture” that results in erectile dysfunction. In fact, recent clinical studies have revealed that as many as one in three men seeking medical treatment for ED have low testosterone levels.
The primary underlying cause of erection problems is usually hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) which prevents blood flow to the penis. Atherosclerosis results when the tiny blood vessels supplying the penis are damaged so they can no longer dilate enough to deliver the strong flow of blood needed for a firm erection. The four main causes of atherosclerosis leading to erectile dysfunction are diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol.
Erections do depend upon the presence of testosterone. But while “Low T” alone doesn’t generally cause ED, low testosterone is a frequent accomplice to atherosclerosis in causing erectile dysfunction. In other words, while other factors may be causing erectile dysfunction, low testosterone can strongly contribute, making the situation even worse.
Research shows that low testosterone is also inextricably linked in some way with many of the conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction, including Diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and endothelial dysfunction (non-obstructive coronary artery disease).
Also, it is important to keep in mind that psychological issues including depression, anxiety, and relationship problems can cause or contribute to ED. And, certain neurological problems that affect the nerves – such as multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries – can also prevent a man from achieving or maintaining an erection.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy and ED
While testosterone replacement therapy alone may not be enough to reverse erectile dysfunction, it can be an important tool in a man’s medical arsenal for fighting the signs of ED.
To begin with, testosterone is directly responsible for libido. And sex drive is the first step of arousal. Treating Low T with testosterone replacement therapy can improve a man’s sex life by restoring their libido and renewing their interest in sex.
Additionally, in men with Low T, testosterone replacement therapy may also help protect them against many of the other risk factors for erectile disfunction by reducing belly fat, increasing insulin sensitivity, and lowering their risk for diabetes and heart disease.
For many men with Low T, combing testosterone therapy with ED drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors, can be the magic cocktail to restore erection function. These drugs include avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra).
These medications encourage erections by increasing blood flow to the penis. But research has shown that many men with low T, simply don’t respond to these drugs alone, without also simultaneously undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.
Why Use Pellets for Testosterone Replacement?
Clinical research suggests that erection improvements that result from testosterone replacement therapy do not last long term, and therefore require consistent, ongoing testosterone replacement. The SottoPelle testosterone replacement method solves this problem with time released pellets that constantly and consistently release the required dosages of testosterone – with a single insertion that lasts up to six months.
Twice a day testosterone pills, messy hormone creams, and weekly hormone injections can lead to a roller coaster of testosterone ups and downs. Especially if you miss or forget a dose – which is easy to do. But testosterone replacement pellets are “one and done” – keeping your hormone levels stable and balance just like the body does!
The SottoPelle customized testosterone replacement method is not “one-size-fits all”. It is custom dosed and compounded to ensure that the exact, personalized dosages to restore your hormones to normal levels – for optimal symptom relief. Additionally, bioidentical hormones, such as those used by the SottoPelle method exactly replicate the molecular structure of the hormones produced by the body, so they are not only more effective, but also much safer and free of many of the side effects of synthetics.
And, because time-released hormone pellet therapy only requires a single insertion that lasts up to six months, it eliminates the hassle of daily pills or topical creams and/or painful weekly injections.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
If you have been experiencing difficulties achieving or maintaining an erectile – you do not have to live with embarrassing and frustrating ED. Ask your physician if the safe, easy, natural SottoPelle testosterone replacement method can be added to your treatment plan to help restore sex life. Or find a physician in your area who is SottoPelle certified using our Physician Finder HERE.
A certified SottoPelle physician can conduct thorough blood work including serum testosterone tests to determine if your hormone levels are below normal levels. And then they will prescribe customized, time-released hormone replacement pellet therapy – so you can live your life to the fullest at every age.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy for ED: (323) 986-5100
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as general information only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. While the benefits of hormone replacement are well documented through clinical research, we are not representing that hormone therapy is a “cure” for any disease. Only your treating physician can determine if hormone replacement may be a beneficial part of your healthcare regimen, based on your age, overall health, risk factors, and lifestyle.