Seldom Does Low-T Cause Erectile Dysfunction
April 26, 2024
Without doubt a man’s sexual health can be affected by hormonal changes that lead to imbalances and sex hormone inconsistencies for testosterone and estrogen levels. But Low-T, which is a reduction or absence of testosterone secretion, is seldom the only cause of a man’s inability to get or maintain an erection that’s suitable for intercourse.
Low testosterone is, however, linked to several chronic medical conditions that are also known culprits for ED. These include endocrine conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, obesity, and hardening of the arteries. Symptoms of Low-T can include a decrease in nocturnal and morning erections, delayed ejaculation or reduced semen volume, and a decreased sex drive.
A doctor can order blood tests and other lab work to determine if a man’s ED is caused by hypogonadism where blood levels of testosterone are lower than expected for a man's age. Whereas testosterone replacement is likely beneficial for healthy older men with significant hypogonadism, men with borderline low to low-normal levels should discuss their treatment options with an age managment doctor.
Low libido can affect erectile function...
Although low libido can lead to erectile issues, a decrease in sex drive and erectile dysfunction are not the same condition. Nonetheless, many of the same factors can cause either or both. For example, an imbalance of sex hormones can lead to low libido as well as erectile dysfunction. If you have symptoms of either condition, schedule a men’s sexual health exam. You doctor can order lab work that can be used to determine why you’re experiencing an inability to maintain an erection long enough to have satisfactory sex.
When a Man Doesn’t Want Sex
If you do not have signs of a serious illness or injury and your interest in having sex has waned, it might be okay to simply ignore it as long as it doesn’t bother you. An occasional lack of interest in sex is normal. There are numerous physical, emotional, and psychological stressors that can contribute to a loss of desire. On the other hand, once the lack of interest becomes bothersome to you or has affected you intimate relationships, it is time to diagnose and treat the cause.
The desire for sex naturally lessens as you age and a reduced interest is considered normal to some extent. However, there is really no reason that the desire should completely go away at any age. Men report having active sex lives in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. In addition, some older men with reduced testosterone levels do not appear to be effected by hormonal decline at all and regularly engage in sex without erectile issues causing any difficulties.
If a man does want to have sex but tries and fails several times, it can result in feelings of worthlessness, depression and anxiety. In this case, the man can discuss this with his doctor or men’s health specialist to rule out any medical issue that could be reducing his libido. Fortunately, many of the healthy problems that can cause a loss of sex drive can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as consuming a healthier diet, stopping smoking, and being more physically active.
Shock Wave Therapy to Break Up Arterial Blockage
Erectile dysfunction caused by problems with the blood vessels in the penis, such as arterial blockage, remains the leading reason men experience difficulties achieving a firm erection. This condition might result from the accumulation of plaque which hampers essential blood flow. While this issue could signal more severe health concerns that impact not just the blood vessels but also the nerves, it more frequently stems from less alarming causes.
Although predominantly seen in men over 40, erectile dysfunction due to arterial plaque can occur as early as in teenagers, usually attributed to damage caused by physical trauma affecting vascular mechanisms in the penis. Addressing sexual performance issues begins with a thorough evaluation by a specialized healthcare provider. While oral medications offer a temporary fix, identifying and tackling the root cause remains the optimal approach.
For men who don’t respond to conventional treatments like ED medications, non-invasive alternatives are available. GAINSWave Jacksonville, for example, provides cutting-edge treatments such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT). This innovative method aims to dissolve plaque buildup and encourage the regeneration of new blood vessels to restore erectile function and sensitivity for men affected by plaque-induced blockage and injuries.
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Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of a physical or psychological condition. It can cause stress, relationship strain, and a loss of self-confidence. Whether you are tired of having to time your intimate moments or are just starting on your road to recovery from erectile dysfunction, Dr. Earl Eye at GAINSWave Jacksonville has over fifty years of experience with specialties in infectious disease, internal medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, pulmonary disease, and metabolism. To make an appointment with a dedicated physician whose men’s health practice relies on the least invasive treatment protocols, call 904-500-5500 today. After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. Eye will explain your treatment options.
