Abstract
Erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism are becoming two of the most frequently diagnosed sexual dysfunctions in men. They are often diagnosed together, and more men than before are being treated with both testosterone and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Testosterone supplementation is a safe and effective treatment for men with hypogonadism, especially if they have erectile dysfunction as a result of hypogonadism. Testosterone supplementation for men with hypogonadism should be reserved for those with low serum testosterone accompanying the symptoms of hypogonadism, including erectile dysfunction. A careful baseline monitoring of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a complete blood count, and an initial serum testosterone level are essential for initiation of testosterone supplementation. Clinicians must carefully monitor treatment, including both PSA monitoring and a complete blood count at regular intervals.
Similar content being viewed by others
References and Recommended Reading
Steidle C, Schwartz S, Jacoby K, et al.: AA2500 testosterone gel normalizes androgen levels in aging males with improvements in body composition and sexual function. J Clin Enocrinol Metab 2003, 88:2673–2681.
Lee KK, Berman N, Alexander GM, et al.: A simple self-report diary for assessing psychosexual function in hypogonadal men. J Androl 2003, 24:688–698.
Matsumoto AM. Andropause: clinical implications of the decline in serum testosterone levels with aging in men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002, 57:M76-M99.
McNicholas TA, Dean JD, Mulder H, et al.: A novel testosterone gel formulation normalizes androgen levels in hypogonadal men, with improvements in body composition and sexual function. BJU Int 2003, 91:69–74.
Schrader S, Mills A, Scheperle M, Block JE: Improvement in sexual functioning and satisfaction in nonresponders to testosterone gel: clinical effectiveness in hypogonadal, HIV-positive males. Clinical Cornerstone 2005, 7 (Suppl 4):S26-S31.
Carnegie C: Diagnosis of hypogonadism: clinical assessments and laboratory tests. Rev Urol 2004, 6 (Suppl 6):S3-S8.
Aschoff S: Helping Men Age Gracefully Series: PULSE. St. Petersburg Times. January 27, 2004:E3
Shabsigh R, Kaufman JM, Steidle C, Padma-Nathan H: Randomized study of testosterone gel as adjunctive therapy to sildenafil in hypogonadal men with erectile dysfunction who do not respond to sildenafil alone. J Urol 2004, 172:658–663.
Dean J, Carnegie C, Rodzvilla J, Smith T: Long-term effects of Testim 1% testosterone gel in hypogonadal men. Rev Urol 2004, 6 (Suppl 6):S22-S29.
Loizides E, Swierzewski M, O’Neill C, et al.: Early response time in sexual activity and mood following testosterone gel replacement in hypogonadal males from the Testim start study. Rev Urol 2004, 6 (Suppl 6):S16-S21. This article characterizes testosterone function with regard to sexual activity and its improvement.
Wang C, Swerdloff RS, Iranmanesh A, et al.: Transdermal testosterone gel improves sexual function, mood, muscle strength, and body composition parameters in hypogonadal men. J Clin Enocrinol Metab 2002, 85:2839–2853.
Guay AT, Velasquez E, Perez JB: Characterization of patients in a medical endocrine-based center for male sexual dysfunction. Endocr Pract 1999, 5:314–321.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Steidle, C.P. Testosterone supplementation in the patient with erectile dysfunction. Curr sex health rep 3, 127–130 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-006-0015-5
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-006-0015-5