Does Low Testosterone Cause ED?
May 26, 2023
It can be both embarrassing and discouraging for a man to experience erectile dysfunction. But if you're suffering with this issue, don't give up hope. While it is true that waning testosterone levels often affect male sex drive, rarely will it be the sole cause of erectile dysfunction.
While some men with low-T may lose interest in sex, others show no adverse symptoms at all. Regrettably, a poor sexual performance often makes it difficult for a man to assertively seek the care needed for a proper diagnosis and treatment of any underlying medical conditions.
There are numerous secondary factors that can influence ED, such as aging, obesity, diabetes, nutrition, chronic illness, stress, depression, lack of exercise, and abnormal sleep patterns. Furthermore, organic impotence linked to arterial or venous blockage can restrict the crucial blood flow needed for a healthy erection.
ED can be an incredibly daunting problem; but the key is an accurate diagnosis to understand exactly what is causing your issues and how best to restore erectile function to improve your performance in the bedroom. Though hormonal imbalances could lead to poor sexual performance, once ED is properly diagnosed it is often managed through a combination of treatment options.
Poor Erectile Function Is Not New
Men have been looking for ways to improve their bedroom performance for thousands of years, with the first documented medical treatments dating back to 2600 BCE in China. The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine documented one of the earliest treatment methods intended to help men who struggled with impotence. So for as long as men have had a penis, the persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse has likely occurred.
History certainly confirms that erectile dysfunction affected men of all races and across all social classes. Both paupers and kings were said to suffer from poor sexual performance that led to severe psychological distress and humiliation, and often at a very young age. Fortunately, the understanding of erectile dysfunction has advanced significantly over the past centuries and men today are presented with many more viable treatment options that can lead to better sexual performance.
Blockage Not Age Is Most Often the Cause
Over a two-year period, The Massachusetts Male Aging Study was a random sample observational survey conducted on men 40 to 69 years old living in communities near Boston. The longitudinal study revealed that in the population of otherwise healthy men, 52% had experienced ED. Although additional studies have suggested age may be a variable associated with declining erectile function, additional data has confirmed ED is most often seen among men in poor physical and emotional health.
A recent study by researchers at Cleveland Clinic concluded that the development of an erection is a complex event involving integration of psychologic, neurologic, endocrine, vascular, and local anatomic systems. Recognized risk factors included cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, smoking and alcohol use; but hormone deficiency was less frequently identified as the cause of ED. Moreover, lifestyle modifications can decrease the rate of dysfunction (e.g. – stopping smoking produced a 25% improvement in erectile quality at all ages).
If you have ED, it could mean that your arteries are clogged with plaque, a condition called atherosclerosis. This narrowing or blocking of the blood vessels can make it tough to get an erection, as the plaque prevents proper blood flow even when you're aroused. A buildup of plaque in penile tissues is the most common cause of erectile dysfunction. Since clogged arteries in the penis can be an early warning sign of heart disease, it is important to see a doctor who can address the root cause of your ED.
Treatment Options at GAINSWave Jacksonville
Now that you know erectile dysfunction may or may not be caused by low testosterone, it is time schedule an appointment with a doctor who specializes in Mens Sexual Health. Dr. Earl Eye has practiced medicine for 40 years in Jacksonville and Atlanta and is board certified in five medical specialties, including advanced training in Age-Management medicine. His current practice offers comprehensive, individualized medicine to help men live healthier, more vibrant lives.
Currently, Dr. Eye is the President and Chief Medical Officer of Cenegenics Elite Health Jacksonville and a Partner at Cenegenics Atlanta. He is also an Institute Physician at Cenegenics’ corporate headquarters in Las Vegas, NV. Most recently, Dr. Eye has added the GAINSWave procedure to his practice to help men regain and optimize their sexual functioning through ED treatment using low-intensity shockwave therapy to break up plaque formation and stimulate new growth in penile blood vessels.
By performing a thorough Mens Health Physical, Dr. Eye can determine if hypogonadism (low-T) is causing your erectile issues. Although most men experience a lowering of their serum testosterone with age, the imbalance is usually not enough to induce ED. But, don’t despair. His practice focuses on individualized healthcare with treatment protocols that are personalized based on your body’s specific needs. Call us at 904-500-5500 or use this website’s Request Appointment Form to get started today!
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At GAINSWave Jacksonville, we understand that it can be embarrassing to talk to your doctor about your sex life, but it is the quickest way for us to get you back to being intimate with your partner. Dr. Earl Eye can identify what is causing your problem and recommend the best treatment solutions and lifestyle interventions.
