{"id":10166,"date":"2018-01-29T08:00:27","date_gmt":"2018-01-29T08:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/?p=10166"},"modified":"2018-11-20T16:58:25","modified_gmt":"2018-11-20T16:58:25","slug":"can-you-have-normal-testosterone-and-still-have-erection-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/erectile-dysfunction\/can-you-have-normal-testosterone-and-still-have-erection-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Have Normal Testosterone and Still Have Erection Problems?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Absolutely! Most of the time, erection problems have nothing whatsoever to do with testosterone levels.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a key role in regulating the sex drive in both men and women but has little direct effect on erectile function.<\/p>\n

Although present in women as well as men although, at significantly lower levels, testosterone regulates the development of male reproductive tissues, including the prostate and testes. It also promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as the growth of body hair and increased bone and muscle mass.<\/p>\n

Blood Flow Key to Erectile Function<\/h3>\n

An inability to get and keep an erection firm and long-lasting enough for intercourse is most often caused by insufficient blood flow to the penis and not a deficiency in testosterone. Many men with low blood levels of the male sex hormone continue to enjoy normal erectile function, while others whose testosterone levels are high may encounter erection problems wholly unrelated to hormonal issues.<\/p>\n

As previously noted, testosterone does play an important role in regulating sexual desire, so men who are experiencing a persistent lack of interest in sex might want to have their T-levels checked to see if that could be an issue. If your doctor determines that you\u2019re a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy, this form of treatment could over time fire up your libido, without which an erection has little or no real purpose.<\/p>\n

Low-T Rarely Causes ED<\/h3>\n

According to WebMD.com<\/a>, low testosterone by itself rarely causes ED, noting that most erection problems are caused by atherosclerosis, a gradual buildup of fatty plaque on artery walls that impede blood flow to the penis.<\/p>\n

Somewhat confusing the relationship between testosterone levels and erectile function is the fact that many chronic medical conditions that are causally linked to ED are also associated with reduced levels of the male sex hormone. Such conditions include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and heart disease.<\/p>\n

Hormone Levels Drop as You Age<\/h3>\n

Testosterone production tends to decrease gradually as a man ages, so it\u2019s not surprising to find that T-levels in older men is typically lower than those in younger men. According to Urology Care Foundation, the official foundation of the American Urological Association<\/a>, roughly 40 percent of men over the age of 45 suffer from some degree of low testosterone, a condition is also known as hypogonadism.<\/p>\n

The warning signs of hypogonadism, or low-T, include both sexual and non-sexual symptoms. Sexual symptoms include a low sex drive and a consequent deterioration in erectile function, as well as a decline in the volume of semen, the milky fluid that contains sperm cells. Nonsexual symptoms can include anemia, depression, hair loss, fatigue, loss of calcium from bones, reduced muscle mass, and an increase in body fat.<\/p>\n

\"Erection
Many men with relatively low testosterone levels have no problems getting and keeping an erection, while some others with high T-levels suffer from the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Is T-Replacement Therapy for You?<\/h3>\n

If testing confirms that your T-levels are low, you will want to carefully consider your options before embarking on a program of testosterone replacement therapy. According to an article from Consumer Reports that was published at ChoosingWisely.org<\/a>, this form of hormonal replacement therapy has a number of risks. These can include:<\/p>\n