Male Hypogonadism And Erectile Dysfunction (ED): What To Know

Male hypogonadism and ED are two of the many conditions that affect many men’s quality of life. Although they are separate medical conditions, they often run in tandem, creating a multi-dimensional set of physical, psychological and emotional variables. In this post, I’m trying to provide a brief insight into hypogonadism and ED: what they are, why they occur, how they are diagnosed, and what treatment is offered.

Understanding Male Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism is a syndrome in which the male body produces too little testosterone, the main male sex hormone that governs male sexual characteristics and other body functions. There are two main forms of hypogonadism:

Primary hypogonadism: This is caused by stimuli acting directly on the testicles-becoming the source of testosterone production. Primitive hypogonadism can result from genetic disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome, injuries and infections. Here the dys-function is on the testis, leading to low levels of hormones.

Secondary hypogonadism would involve some sort of perturbation to the brain’s hypothalamus or pituitary gland, ‘alerting’ the testicles to begin releasing testosterone. Secondary hypogonadism can be caused by many factors: obesity, chronic stress, certain medications, and diseases such as diabetes or liver cirrhosis.

Symptoms of Hypogonadism
Male hypogonadism symptoms may include:

Low libido (reduced sexual desire)
Fatigue and decreased energy levels
Depression or mood swings
Reduced muscle mass and strength
Increased body fat
Bone densities fall, leading to more frequent fractures.
Infertility

What Causes Hypogonadism & Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction means that you can’t get or maintain a erection to provide meaningful sex. While ED is possible in the absence of hypogonadism, low testosterone levels underlie it.

Testosterone also regulates male sexual function, libido and the physiological mechanisms required for an erection. Low testosterone can lead to the following symptoms in men:

Difficulty in achieving erections
Reduced firmness of erections
Decreased interest in sexual activity
Conversely, erectile dysfunction can also generate psychological stress and anxiety, perpetuating feelings of failure and even contributing to low testosterone, which feed back and forth.

Diagnosing Hypogonadism and ED
A man with signs of hypogonadism or erectile dysfunction should get in touch with a doctor. A thorough evaluation typically includes:

1. Medical History
The diagnosis begins with the patient’s history. This is then followed by a discussion of symptoms, lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, or medical conditions or medications that may result in hormonal dysregulation or erectile dysfunction. An accurate history will enable the physician to identify potential risk factors and underlying causes.

2. Physical Examination
It is important to examine the body in order to diagnose hypogonadism. In addition, the medical practitioner might also note some of the physical features that can suggest hypogonadism when he or she does a physical exam, such as body hair loss, gynecomastia, or other symptoms that might indicate an absence of these hormones.

3. Laboratory Tests
Testosterone-measured blood tests are pretty much the only way to test for hypogonadism. Ideally these should be taken in the morning, when testosterone is at its highest level. If the samples appear to be low in that, more testing may be necessary to confirm. It’s not uncommon to repeat these tests in an effort to make a definitive diagnosis.

4. Erectile Function Assessment
Other tests could be performed, pinpointing the origin of erectile dysfunction. A test such as nocturnal penile tumescence testing will confirm whether erectile dysfunction is physiological or psychological. A penile Doppler ultrasound scan can measure the amount of blood that reaches the penis and provide further insight into the dysfunction.

Treatment Options
Hypogonadism and its related erectile dysfunction are treated differently according to their underlying cause.

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy is effective in treating hypogonadism in men. Low libido symptoms might be diminished, erectile function increased. TRT is available in several forms, whether injections, patches, gels or pellets, which gives men options to choose the form most suited to their own lives.

2. Medications for ED
Prescription drugs, and particularly PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra and Cialis, are quite common in ED patients. These operate merely by drawing more blood to the penis and so make it possible for someone to obtain an erection when sexually stimulated.

3. Lifestyle Changes
The right kind of lifestyle is likely to have a major effect on testosterone levels and, by extension, erections: eating right, exercising more, reducing stress, refraining from smoking and not drinking too much are key factors in not only managing symptoms but maintaining a healthy body.

4. Psychological Support
A second area of concern involves psychological management of hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction. Therapy or counselling is readily available, particularly if anxiety or depression about sexual performance is present. This defence against associated emotional anxieties is the second most critical aspect of comprehensive care.

5. Other Options
In some cases, a different type of treatment is needed. These can be vacuum erections for mechanical support, penile implants for permanent treatment, or pills for sexual health. Treatment will be based on individual preferences and needs, determined through conversations with healthcare providers.

Conclusion: Male Hypogonadism And Erectile Dysfunction (ED): What To Know
Male hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction are two connected diseases that significantly reduce a man’s quality of life. Once they learn the relationship between these disorders and seek professional help, patients can obtain the proper treatment, regain their sexual lives, and live better. You and your loved one must seek professional help to diagnose and manage low testosterone or erectile dysfunction symptoms. Remember, these conditions are more prevalent than we’d like to think, and seeking treatment is the key to healing.