Can TRT Help With Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

It is normal for men to fail rising to the occasion, occasionally. But when the problem persists for three months it is a good idea to consult a doctor since Erectile Dysfunction indicates other underlying health issues. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) refers to inability to get an erection, or maintain firmness for sexual intercourse.

A person suffering with ED might seek TRT therapy since post 50 testosterone levels drop to cause Erectile Dysfunction, and is one of the symptoms of hypogonadism or low T. Other symptoms of low-T include loss of muscle mass, body & facial hair, lethargy, depression, brittle bones etc.

Testosterone being the male sex hormone which defines everything man, and starts dropping 1% after 30 and crossing 50 years can also result in ED, making ED a fairly common occurrence in those over 50. But ED can be a result of other medical reasons, mainly lack of blood flow to the penis due to blocked arteries, high cholesterol or high BP. Low-T might suppress libido but its role in causing ED is limited.

Lack of blood flow is one of the main reasons for ED, which in itself is indicative of atherosclerosis or hardening of arteries. ED is even a life saver since it draws much needed medical attention before the hardening of arteries causes fatal heart attacks.

How does testosterone help achieve erections?

Testosterone acts as a vasodilator – it helps expand blood vessels to facilitate increased blood flow.

Erection requires a combination of vascular, neurological, psychological & hormonal factors. Process starts when nitric oxide and other neuroendocrine factors relax smooth muscles of arteries & tissues that increase penile blood flow. The initial release of nitric oxide is facilitated by testosterone.

So age related drops in testosterone levels play a part in Erectile Dysfunction.

Steps to determine for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

A blood test is the starting point to determine one is suitable for TRT therapy for ED. The blood test has to be done a couple of times and in the morning, when testosterone levels are highest in the body.

After determining low -T, based on symptoms, blood test, doctor ‘s review, all other causes for low -T have to be eliminated first to start TRT therapy. By eliminating all other causes of ED except hypogonadism, TRT therapy prescription will help erectile dysfunction.

Quite a few studies have demonstrated that using TRT therapy improves erection function in mild to moderate cases of ED.

How long does it take TRT Therapy to show erectile strength improvements?*

Effects can be seen rapidly after 3 weeks of testosterone therapy.

• Increase in morning erections after 3 weeks.
• An increase in percentage of full erections, sexual performance and satisfaction with erections noticed after 30 days.
• Increase of ejaculation and sexual activity after 2 weeks and 3 weeks respectively.
• In patients with veno-occlusive dysfunction, testosterone undecanoate restored erectile function after a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 11.5 months.

*This information is collated from various studies.

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How to Increase Testosterone Naturally?