For men, testosterone has a vital role in sexual function and the level of interest or desire in sex. But before jumping to the conclusion that low testosterone levels will lead to erectile dysfunction, first read on the relationship between testosterone levels and erections. However, there are cases where men with low testosterone levels have no issues with their erections. Meanwhile, there is also wen with supposedly healthy levels of testosterone that have difficulties getting and maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men’s bodies. The testes produce testosterone. This hormone is essential in puberty, such as developing body hair and changing voice. Testosterone also plays a significant role in cognitive functions.
The average range of total testosterone levels is between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). The testosterone levels peak in men in their 30s. After that, normal testosterone levels decline as men age. Their testicles will be producing lower levels of testosterone.
Unusual low testosterone levels relative to age may be a symptom of low-T (low testosterone). It can affect men in any age group but is particularly common among middle-aged men and increases the risk of aging. That said, at least 1 of 2 men in their 80s produces a lower testosterone count than the normal range. Low-t is rare among young men, affecting only around 1%.
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What causes low levels of testosterone?
Low-t may develop for various reasons – from medical conditions to lifestyle factors. Some known causes that cause testosterone levels to drop are:
- Aging
- Obesity
- Testicular damage
- Metabolic syndrome
- Infections
- Autoimmune disease
- Genetic conditions (Klinefelter syndrome, Noonan syndrome)
- Medications (antidepressants, hypertension medication, beta-blockers)
- Opioids and alcohol use
Low Testosterone (Hypogonadism) Symptoms and Risks
Male hypogonadism is where the body fails to produce normal testosterone levels for development during puberty, masculine growth, and having enough sperm. Low testosterone levels can adversely affect men’s sexual health and overall quality of life. Different signs warrant concern for a potential testosterone deficiency, including:
- Overall less sexual drive
- Decreased energy
- Lesser beard growth
- Loss of body hair
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass
- Mood changes, showing signs of depression
- Difficulty remembering and focusing
- Increased body fat
- Hot flashes
Moreover, male hypogonadism may further lead to disorders such as:
- Infertility
- Osteoporosis
- Gynecomastia or development of breast tissue
- Erectile dysfunction
Does low testosterone cause erectile dysfunction?
While testosterone plays a significant role in sexual desire, hormonally-related erectile dysfunction (ED) may not be as common as vascular-related ED. Testosterone may not have a significant impact on blood flow into the tissue of the penis. Testosterone levels may not play an active role in getting or keeping an erection during sexual intercourse.
Still, it can’t be denied that contributing factors for low-t and ED may overlap. Heart conditions, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are linked to both low-t and erectile dysfunction. It is wise to check testosterone levels when checking for risk of ED. It is necessary to identify cases of hypogonadism in men with ED.
Is low testosterone common in erectile dysfunctions?
The American Journal of Medicine reported only around 5% of low-t (hypogonadism) cases among those experiencing erectile dysfunctions. Moreover, researchers found a lack of association between erectile function and serum testosterone levels. Even as men age, serum testosterone levels may not be low enough to induce erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, higher serum testosterone levels may not have a significant impact on erectile function. It may not be necessary to have normal adult testosterone levels to achieve normal erections.
In severe cases of hypogonadism, testosterone therapy may improve erectile function Testosterone treatment may improve the body’s response to PDE5 inhibitors in men with low-t levels.
Can low testosterone decrease penis size?
Testosterone is essential for the development of the penis and testicles. Low-t levels may contribute to disproportionately smaller testicles and penises. Moreover, the tissues in the penis, testicles, and scrotum may shrivel due to a lack of steady flow of testosterone. The penis may also lose its strength.
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Treatment for low testosterone
Low testosterone may be affecting a guy’s ability to enjoy satisfying sex. Treating low testosterone may help improve sex drive. Further, men with low-t may notice better erections, stimulation, and level of interest with improving testosterone levels. Several ways that can contribute to testosterone production include:
Regular physical activity – Exercise is associated with levels of hormones that assist in the production of testosterone–follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
Stress management – Stress can trigger the release of the hormone cortisol which negatively impacts testosterone levels.
A healthy BMI – Obesity may lead to reduced levels of testosterone as excess weight may suppress the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis that helps regulate hormone production.
Better sleep habits – Testosterone levels may increase during sleep and start to drop in waking hours.
Enriched diet – Incorporating certain foods into your diet may contribute to a healthier testosterone range. These include leafy green vegetables, legumes, oysters, fatty fish, and beef liver.
Supplements – Vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and ashwagandha are some of the nutrients you may want to focus on adding to your diet to stimulate testosterone production.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) – testosterone is naturally produced in the testes. But, artificial testosterone now comes in the form of injectables, capsules, patches, and topical gels. Caution should be exercised when opting for TRT as it can increase the risks of blood clotting, cardiovascular problems, high cholesterol, and prostate enlargement.
In Conclusion
It is possible to have erectile dysfunction with normal testosterone levels. Moreover, men with low-t levels may not have erection issues.
To avoid difficulties getting and maintaining an erection every time, men will need a steady blood flow into the penis and psychological arousal. While low-t levels don’t affect blood flow, they can affect a guy’s level of arousal. Certain lifestyle changes and other treatments may boost testosterone production to improve sexual desire.
