Male Health Issues Can Interfere with Erectile Function
August 31, 2021
Chemical messengers produced by endocrine glands and directly released into the bloodstream through cells of the gland can impact male sexual health and cause problems with erectile function. Although testosterone is the first hormone discussed when talking about the male body, it is a small gland located at the base of the skull called the pituitary gland that plays a huge role in regulating many vital functions in the human body. Since this pea-sized gland controls other hormone-secreting glands, it is often referred to as the body’s master gland. The pituitary gland is crucial for managing processes like growth, reproduction, and a man’s overall health. Moreover, any gland that makes too much or too little hormone, can affect internal processes like your sex drive, metabolism, body temperature, blood pressure, fat gain, and other important functions. Hormone imbalance can be extremely complex and managing a man’s sexual health does not work the same as adding a quart of oil to your car’s engine.
Androgens are Responsible for Masculinization
Masculinization is the biological development of adult male characteristics, also known as virilization in women. During puberty, most of the changes in the male body are the result of increased secretion of androgen hormones. The primary androgens involved in the functioning of the male reproductive system are follicle-stimulating hormones, luteinizing hormones, and testosterone. The first two are produced by the pituitary gland whereas the testes (gonads) are responsible for testosterone production. Testosterone is important for sexual differentiation, maturation, libido, bone health, deepening of the voice, hair growth, strength, and fat distribution. Traditionally, testosterone and estrogen have been considered to be the male and female hormones, respectively. However, the most predominant form of estrogen (estradiol) also plays a critical role in men’s health. Estradiol and testosterone balance have proven crucial for maintaining a healthy sex drive and normal erectile function.
Is Viagra Better for Treating ED than Testosterone Replacement?
The answer is “it depends.” Decades before Viagra was approved as a treatment for erectile dysfunction, testosterone replacement was being used as a medical therapy for managing male sexual responses, including increasing the desire for sex as well as promoting a sustainable erection. Thanks to our nation’s aging population and aggressive marketing campaigns, the “little blue pill” and similar drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors have provided doctors with a way to help men manage symptoms of ED by relaxing blood vessels that increase the flow of blood to the penis. According to an article published in Harvard Men’s Health Watch, testosterone therapy should be a treatment option for men who suffer from hypogonadism (Low-T), but ED drugs have become the go-to treatment for most primary care doctors due to a quicker response in some men. Nonetheless, in men with Low-T, replacement therapy can boost sexual drive and energy levels, whereas PDE5 drugs only trigger an increase in blood flow. In conclusion, researchers suggest problems with erectile dysfunction should be addressed systematically, as testosterone therapy and ED medications do not work for about 30% of patients.
Self-Prescribed Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction May Not Be Safe
There is a large commercial market of over-the-counter and online products, such as herbal remedies and supplements, that claim to boost testosterone levels, restore sex drive, and improve erectile function. Since much of the attention is driven by aggressive advertising campaigns, self-prescribed treatment for erectile function may be dangerous to your health, so avoid unnecessary risks. Erectile dysfunction is now considered to be a systemic medical problem. If you are having trouble getting or sustaining an erection, and other things in your life are relatively stable, it is time to schedule a visit with a doctor that specializes in men’s sexual health. Dr. Earl Eye at GAINSWave Jacksonville specializes in men’s health and can recommend several treatment options based on your specific sexual health issues. If your testosterone level is low, replacement may be the answer. If pills don’t work for you, non-invasive treatments using low-intensity shockwave therapy have proven effective in breaking up plaque formation to treat mild to moderate cases of ED.
