Common Male Sexual Problems

Low Testosterone
Testosterone normally declines with aging, earlier in some men than others.  Testosterone is made in the testicles thus any illness or injury which affects the testicles may cause low testosterone at an earlier age.  Often this problem occurs for no apparent reason.   The condition may also be called hypogonadism.  Symptoms may be of sexual dysfunction or lack of desire, depression or lack of mental alertness, or weakness of muscles and bones. 

When low testosterone occurs in older men it may be referred to as “Andropause.”  This is similar to the drop in female hormones which occurs in middle aged women known as “Menopause.”

If suspected, low testosterone can be diagnosed with a simple morning blood test.  Further testing can help determine the cause of the deficiency or evaluate the condition’s impact upon the body.  In rare cases, men with so-called “normal” testosterone levels may have a form of hypogonadism that may require further hormone testing for it to be found.

Often, men who fail to respond to traditional therapy for erectile dysfunction have hypogonadism.  Their response may be improved by adding testosterone treatment.  Testosterone replacement therapy can improve both physical and psychological wellbeing and is available in a variety of forms including a daily gel, weekly or bi-weekly injections, or tiny pellets implanted under the skin as an outpatient every 4-5 months.  Long-term treatment is safe and reliable when properly monitored. Rumors that warn of dangers of testosterone therapy are untrue as long as levels are only corrected to and kept within the normal range.