Low Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common medical problem that affects more than 18% of men at least 20 years of age in the United States. This means that around 18 million men in the US alone have erectile dysfunction. Low testosterone, on the other hand, occurs in 10-40% of men. There is significant overlap between low testosterone and erectile dysfunction, which leaves many people wondering whether there is a relationship between the two conditions.
What Is Low Testosterone?
Testosterone levels vary by age, so a wide range of values is considered normal or low. Testosterone is a hormone that is present in higher levels in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). This important hormone has many important functions in the body, including:
- Dropping of the testiclese
- Production of sperm
- Penile and testicular growth
- Increased libido
- Voice changes
- Male hair patterns
- Growth spurts in puberty
Several factors can contribute to low testosterone, including age, type 2 diabetes, overweight and obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, and even viral infections like HIV/AIDS.
Low testosterone has many symptoms. Some of these include:
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Muscle loss
- Weight gain
Testosterone levels can be tested through a simple blood or saliva test. You may need to plan and prepare for the test, because timing is important.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a complex health problem that becomes more common with age. Most people with erectile dysfunction are over the age of 40. This condition can significantly impact mental and emotional health and can affect both the person affected and their partner. People with erectile dysfunction may struggle to get an erection, maintain an erection, or both.
Erectile dysfunction is more common in people with conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Neurological disorders
- Low testosterone
- High blood pressure
- Depression
Some medications can also cause erectile dysfunction.
Erectile dysfunction is a treatable condition that can be managed with lifestyle modification, treating the underlying cause of the dysfunction, medications that increase blood flow to the penis, and sometimes injections or surgery.
Relationship Between Low Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction
Testosterone plays an important role in erectile function. This is due to the effects of testosterone on the production of nitric oxide. However, the relationship between low testosterone and erectile dysfunction is much more complex. Some people with low testosterone struggle with their erectile function, while others are able to get and maintain a normal erection.
Low testosterone is associated with erectile dysfunction, but may not directly cause the condition. A 2022 comprehensive narrative review from Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders showed only a weak relationship between low testosterone and sexual dysfunction, severe ED, and loss of spontaneous erections. Only around 20% of men (middle-aged and older) who complain of sexual dysfunction are found to have low testosterone levels.
In people with low testosterone due to hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction, treating the low testosterone levels may help improve erectile function. Low testosterone may also be more likely to be the cause of erectile dysfunction in people who don’t respond to medications such as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors (tadalafil, sildenafil, vardenafil, etc.).
Treating Low Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction
Low testosterone is often treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone replacement therapy may help improve the symptoms of low testosterone. This may include improving erectile function. Sometimes testosterone levels will improve with lifestyle modifications. There are many things you can try to increase testosterone naturally. Some of these include:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular exercise
- Eat a well-rounded, healthy diet
- Avoid excessive alcohol use
- Stop smoking (or don’t start)
- Get regular sleep
- Manage your stress levels
Erectile dysfunction has several potential treatment options, including lifestyle modification, medication, injections, and surgery. Lifestyle modifications for erectile dysfunction often include:
- Stop smoking (or don’t start)
- Get regular exercise
- Manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease
- Maintain a healthy weight
In some people who have both low testosterone and erectile dysfunction, it may be necessary to treat both conditions simultaneously. A 2012 systematic review showed that there may be benefits of treating people who have both low testosterone and erectile dysfunction with both testosterone replacement therapy and medication such as PDE5 inhibitors.
Manage Your Sexual Health With Everlywell
Both low testosterone and erectile dysfunction can significantly affect your quality of life. The good news is that both of these common conditions are treatable.
At Everlywell, we offer lab tests and healthcare appointments from the comfort of your home. If you think that low testosterone may be contributing to erectile dysfunction or if you want to know about your levels of this vital hormone, Everlywell has you covered. Our Men’s Health Test uses a saliva sample to give you the levels of four important biomarkers, including testosterone. Want to talk with a healthcare provider about your symptoms? You can schedule a men’s health appointment, and our certified healthcare providers can answer your questions and give you the guidance you need today from the comfort of your own home through our discreet telehealth service. Everlywell provides healthcare on your time.