Testosterone + Men's Sexual Health

[madman]

Dr. Dubin is a fellowship-trained urologist and andrologist focusing on men’s health. He cares for men with fertility problems, sexual issues (erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, etc.), Peyronie’s disease, low testosterone, testicular pain and other problems involving men’s genitalia. He wants to help men understand that the issues they face are normal and help them find solutions that fit their lifestyle and life goals.

In addition to providing individualized patient care, he is also passionate about providing helpful information to the community. He co-hosts a podcast, “Man Up — A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health,” in which he discuss various men’s health topics.

• Why don’t men go to the doctor?
• Where do men get most of their sex ed from?
• Figuring out the difference between erections, orgasm, ejaculation (and refractory time) and desire.
• The five things you need to get a good erection.
• The role of testosterone and libido and erections.
• Taking testosterone can cause infertility in 60% of men.
• Once you take Testosterone are you going to be on it forever?
• When a man goes to the doctor for Viagra, should the doctor ask about the partner?
• We need more people talking about intimacy without an erect penis.
• And if you are comfortable – what to do when you penis doesn’t work – I hear over and over about men being able to orgasm with a soft penis and I need some info on this! Are you the person? So many people think sex is over when the penis doesn’t work and I need someone to tackle this difficult topic.
• Dr. Dubin did a study looking at women getting blamed for their partner’s erectile dysfunction. 1 out of 7 women were blamed.
• Tips for when your male partner doesn’t want to talk about intimate issues.
• What is with products that make you make more semen?
• What is with penis enlarging procedures?
• Social media inaccuracies with men’s health – sperm retention!
• Does ejaculating decrease prostate cancer?
• Does vasectomy cause prostate cancer?

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Focus on Men's Sexual Health
02:10 Stigma and Hesitancy in Seeking Help
09:55 Understanding Sexual Function: Libido, Erections, Orgasm, and Ejaculation
16:47 Testosterone and Treatment Options
21:26 Considering Overall Well-being and Quality of Life
27:00 The Role of Communication and Education in Sexual Health
32:39 Expanding the Definition of Sex and Pleasure
34:07 Resources for Further Education and Support
34:54 Understanding and Addressing Erectile Dysfunction
55:52 Debunking Myths about Semen Retention and Penis Enlargement
59:47 The Importance of Communication in Sexual Health
01:03:02 The Relationship Between Ejaculation and Prostate Cancer
01:05:07 The Safety and Benefits of Vasectomy

 

[madman]

14:20-16:47 (erections/erectile dysfunction)


You need 5 things to get a good erection:

1. good blood flow
2. good nerves
3. good testosterone levels
4. neurotransmitters/arousal
5. state of mind

 

[madman]

Much more to the story when it comes to testosterones impact on libido/erectile function!


*Again having a healthy FT is only one piece of the puzzle as libido let alone ED are multifactorial.

*Getting quality sleep, minimizing stress (physical/mental), following a healthy diet, exercising/staying active, improving overall vascular health will have a far bigger impact than jacking up your trough FT!

*Have realistic expectations especially when it comes to libido and erectile function!



LIBIDO

Truth About Testosterone and Your Libido

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/truth-testosterone-libido-185000725.html?soc_src=social-sh&soc_trk=tw&tsrc=twtr As an expert on andrology and sexual dysfunctions, urologist Andrew Y. Sun, M.D., sees plenty of patients who’re struggling with low libido. And most are pretty sure they already...

www.excelmale.com

*The male sexual response cycle is complex and the exact role of testosterone in mediating libido, arousal, erection, ejaculation, and orgasm is multifactorial

*This hormone isn’t the only biological factor with clear, substantial power over our libidos

Androgen modulation of mesoprefrontal dopamine systems and the effects of these actions on the adult male brain

Again would tread lightly on how high you run your trough/steady-state FT level! This can easily backfire in the long-run for many especially when it comes to mood, libido and erectile function! Too high a FT level can be just as bad in many ways as having too low a FT level. Libido starts in...

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Libido starts in the brain.

Neurotransmitters have a big impact especially dopamine.

There is a fine balance here when it comes to the dopamine system!

This is key here..... dopamine circuits are powerfully regulated by androgens!


*dopamine circuits are powerfully regulated by androgens

*androgens as potent modulators of prefrontal cortical operations and of closely related, functionally critical measures of prefrontal dopamine level or tone

*androgens dynamically control meso prefrontal dopamine systems and impact prefrontal states of hypo- and hyper-dopaminergia

*dopamine-dependent prefrontal operations appear to universally follow inverted U shaped functions

* androgens maintain a lifelong capacity to bidirectionally modulate prefrontal dopamine tone

*By targeting enzymes and signaling molecules associated with androgenic metabolites of testosterone (Fig 1), these studies more directly implicate androgens in modulating prefrontal function. They also show that both supranormal androgen stimulation and androgen deficiency negatively affects prefrontal operations (Fig 2A). This inverted U- shaped function is similar to that described for functional meso prefrontal dopamine settings (Cools R and D'Esposito M, 2011; Cools R et al.,2019; Floresco SB, 2013; Floresco SB and Magyar O, 2006)

*The data also demonstrate an inverted U-shaped function that describes these dopamine effects. According to this function, prefrontal dopamine levels— often referred to as prefrontal dopamine tone- that are either higher or lower than a functionally optimal set point are detrimental to behavior and circuit function (Fig 2B).

Everything is perfect except low libido

Started test 6 weeks ago. I feel great. Good sleep, good training, feeling good and so on. Was at 140 mg test and 500 iu hcg every week (EOD shots). I started to feel some pain in the chest and did a fast blood test to only check test and estradiol. Came back at 48nmol/l and 0.17 nmol/l (Do I...

www.excelmale.com

*Again having a healthy FT is only one piece of the puzzle as libido let alone ED are multifactorial.

*Getting quality sleep, minimizing stress (physical/mental), following a healthy diet, exercising/staying active, improving overall vascular health will have a far bigger impact than jacking up your trough FT!

*Have realistic expectations especially when it comes to libido and erectile function!








ERECTILE FUNCTION

*Studies have shown that once T drops below a threshold of roughly 230 ng/dL, men can begin to experience ED.

Testosterone and Sexual Function (ED)

You have been duped by the misinformed polluting those so called men's health forums! Again running those absurdly high trough/steady-state FT levels is not going to cure your ED let alone give you titanium erections! Having healthy hormones and maintaining vascular health is where it's at...

www.excelmale.com

* ED only occurs with very low testosterone levels

What to Do About Erectile Dysfunction

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Testosterone Replacement Therapy​

Low testosterone levels can decrease sex drive and lead to weak erections, though this is rarely the sole cause of erectile dysfunction. Over time, the hormone deficiency can cause penile tissues to atrophy, making erections even more difficult. The condition is easily treatable with testosterone replacement therapy, which can also improve the effectiveness of oral medications. But it’s important to work alongside a doctor to monitor the condition.

Testosterone and male sexual function

Androgens and male sexual function (2022) Giovanni Corona, MD, Ph.D., Consultant Endocrinologist, Giulia Rastrelli, MD, Ph.D., Associate professor of Endocrinology, Linda Vignozzi, MD, Ph.D., Associate professor of Endocrinology, Mario Maggi, MD, Ph.D., Full professor of Endocrinology Sexual...

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*Testosterone replacement therapy can improve several aspects of sexual life, including erection, only in hypogonadal subjects but its contribution alone is clinically effective only in milder forms of erectile dysfunction

Testosterone Therapy and ED

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CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH

The literature presented herein illustrates that T mediates erectile function, but it is imperative to note that T is not necessary for satisfactory erections. Two small prospective studies found that erectile responses to visual erotic stimuli were equivalent between hypogonadal men and healthy controls [61, 62]. However, nocturnal penile tumescence and spontaneous daytime erections were diminished in hypogonadal men. This points to the observation that motivation and interest through sexual stimuli can overcome deficiencies in the physiology of the erectile response brought upon by hypogonadism.

Several questions remain despite the robust literature that exists. In the physiology realm, certain pathways may present an opportunity for novel drug targets. For example, the study that examined castration-induced upregulation of sphingosine-1- phosphate and consequent contraction of rat CCSM showed that administering an S1P receptor antagonist reinstated CCSM relaxation [33]. From the structural aspect, corporal cavernosal fibrosis is associated with T deprivation but few studies have assessed the restorative effects of T on animal models of PD.

Clinically, the optimal population of men with ED who will benefit most from TRT is unclear. There were inconsistent results on the impact of age on treatment efficacy and while multiple RCTs have focused on just older men, a parallel large study on younger men is still lacking. The threshold of ED and T deficiency severity for which TRT is efficacious, the dosing of TRT, the timing for initiating combination therapy, and the duration of the treatment have yet to be outlined in clinical guidelines. Presumably, TRT monotherapy could be first-line for patients with severe T deficiency but milder forms of ED (with PDE5i as salvage therapy if the response is poor), whereas combination TRT and PDE5i would be first-line for those with severe T deficiency and severe ED.

Role of testosterone in male sexual function

The role of testosterone in male sexual function (2022) Giovanni Corona · Mario Maggi Abstract Sexual function, and testosterone (T) levels, progressively decline in aging men. Associated morbidities and metabolic disorders can accelerate the phenomenon. The specific contribution of low T to...

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Testosterone and Sexual Desire

Testosterone and Sexual Desire: A Review of the Evidence (2022) Vi Nguyen, MD,* Austin Leonard, BA, and Tung-Chin Hsieh, MD Abstract Sexual desire is driven by complex interactions between various biopsychosocial factors including neuroendocrine regulation, mental state, and cultural values...

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Conclusions

In conclusion, this review summarizes the endogenous androgen neuroendocrine system and describes studies evaluating the role of T in human sexual desire and function. Limitations of this review include study inclusion criteria, which did not analyze studies published in languages other than English. Future systematic reviews should be conducted to further analyze the current literature in a regimented manner. Sexual desire is a sequela of complex multifactorial interactions among various biopsychosocial influences.

Both animal and human studies have solidified the role of androgens in the neuroendocrine pathways that regulate sexual desire, and this association has been validated in numerous clinical studies. The strong relationship between T and sexual desire underlies the clinical foundation of TRT in hypogonadal men, with data suggesting increased efficacy in a dose-dependent manner and with the superiority of gel over patch application.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Sexual Symptoms

Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Sexual Symptoms Giulia Rastrelli, MD, PhD, Federica Guaraldi, MD, Yacov Reismann, MD, Alessandra Sforza, MD, Andrea M. Isidori, MD, Mario Maggi, MD, and Giovanni Corona, MD, PhD ABSTRACT Background: Several data have clearly shown that the endocrine...

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*It is important to recognize that, whatever outcome is considered, the effects of TRT are clearly evident only in the presence of hypogonadal status (ie, total T < 12 nmol/L), whereas the positive effects of TRT are no longer confirmed for higher T levels. In addition, TRT alone can be effective in restoring only milder forms of ED, whereas combined therapy with other drugs is required when more severe vascular damage is present

The Impact of Testosterone on Erectile Function

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Conclusion


Both animal and human studies support an association between hypogonadism and ED. Animal studies first elucidated testosterone’s role in maintaining the proper synthesis and/or release of enzymes as well as tissue structure and function in the corpora cavernosa. When low testosterone is present in both animals and humans, erectile function is compromised as a result, which can be improved with testosterone replacement.

Testosterone monotherapy in hypogonadal men without significant comorbidities can improve erectile function in those struggling with ED. Combination therapy with testosterone and PDE-5 inhibitors can lead to improvement in erectile function for hypogonadal men with medical comorbidities who do not respond to monotherapy. Based on the evidence, it is important to screen all men with ED for hypogonadism, especially those with a history of inadequate response to PDE-5 inhibitors, so that the appropriate treatment plan is implemented. Further studies are crucial to better understand the nuances of testosterone treatment for patients with different degrees of hypogonadism and to optimize sexual outcomes in hypogonadal men with ED.

T and Male Sexual Function

Testosterone and Male Sexual Function (2023) Logan B. Galansky, MD, Jason A. Levy, DO, MS, Arthur L. Burnett, MD, MBA INTRODUCTION Male sexual function involves a complex interplay between hormonal, anatomic, and neuropsychologic functions and mediators. At the basis of any discussion...

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Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as, “an impairment in the arousal phase of [the male] sexual response” with “consistent or recurrent inability to attain and/or maintain penile erection sufficient for sexual satisfaction, including satisfactory sexual performance.”20

The prevalence of ED has been widely reported by a variety of sources. Approximately 20 percent of adult men are reported to have ED.21

ED is typically classified as psychogenic or organic.22 The pathogenesis of ED is multifactorial and can involve multiple underlying disturbances, including vasculogenic, neurogenic, hormonal, and/or medication-induced.

Although most men with ED do not have hypogonadism, ED has been shown to be related to low T levels in some cases. It has been postulated that T may exert local effects to mediate erections based on studies demonstrating fluctuations in serum and corporal T levels during erection.23 Studies have shown that once T drops below a threshold of roughly 230 ng/dL, men can begin to experience ED.21 This is particularly relevant for men undergoing ADT, for whom ED is a well-established potential side effect. Further research is being undertaken to better understand the mechanisms by which hypogonadism affects erectile function.
Low Libido

Meta-analyses investigating the effect of TRT on male sexual function have demonstrated variable improvements in libido. In these studies, TRT led to reported improvements specifically in hypogonadal men, with no change in libido for eugonadal men.32 Furthermore, the benefits of TRT were found to be greater in men with lower baseline levels of T (< 288 ng/dL).35 Although the literature suggests that TRT can improve libido in hypogonadal men, some studies have shown no significant difference in sexual satisfaction after TRT.36




Erectile Dysfunction

In hypogonadal men, TRT has been shown to improve responses to PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for ED.37 Several randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews of hypogonadal men with ED have shown that PDE5i therapy in conjunction with TRT is more effective in improving ED than PDE5i therapy or TRT alone.24,28 Therefore, the AUA recommends that urologists inform hypogonadal men with ED that PDE5i therapy may be augmented by TRT.24

While TRT in hypogonadal men may optimize the efficacy of other ED treatments by restoring normal T levels, there is not adequate data to support combining TRT with other ED treatments.

Similarly, TRT is not recommended as a monotherapy for ED.30

 

[madman]

* Low testosterone levels can decrease sex drive and lead to weak erections, though this is rarely the sole cause of erectile dysfunction.

 

[Kenp]

Is there a study that indicates at what test levels low libido starts on average?

 

[madman]

Is there a study that indicates at what test levels low libido starts on average?

Not so cut and dry as a hypogonadal state would be when a man has low/borderline low FT with signs and symptoms.

Loss of libido is common symptom in men with low/low-normal FT.

Keep in mind a low enough TT level which would result in a low/borderline low FT varies between individuals as some men can still have a robust TT inflated by highish/high SHBG resulting in low/low normal FT whereas some men can have a not so robust TT with low/lowish SHBG and still have a normal FT level.

There is not set standardized threshold agreed upon among all of the societies for low T/FT.

TT 230-350 ng/dL would be considered low but again TT does not paint the full picture here as some men can have a robust TT inflated by highish/high SHBG resulting in low/lowish FT.

Although TT is important to know FT is what truly matters as it is the active unbound fraction of T responsible for the positive effects.

Dr. Morgentaler who is considered the father of testosterone with decades of experience (research/clinical experience) in the field would treat a man with symptoms of T deficiency and a FT<10 ng/dL.

A FT 5-9 ng/dL would be considered the grey zone!

Post in thread 'Effect of Androgen Receptor Polymorphism on Hypogonadism Severity'

Oct 19, 2024

Again

Yes there is such a thing as AR DDS (distribution, density, sensitivity/polymorphisms).

When it comes to sensitivity of the AR, polymorphism of the AR/CAG repeat length (long/short) tread lightly when you speak on such especially those pushing that everyone and their brother needing to run these very high/absurdly high trough FT levels 30-60 ng/dL in order to experience the beneficial effects of T!

Yes we are talking TROUGH f**king levels here!

Key point here having a CAG repeat length >24 is far from common!


* Based on a total sample of 57,826 males occupying 78...

• madman

Association of Specific Symptoms and Metabolic Risks with Serum Testosterone in Older Men

Abstract. Context: Although attention and concern about health disorders in aging men have been growing, the structure of psychological and somatic complai

academic.oup.com

Thread 'Treatments for Low Libido in Men'

Jan 25, 2022

The Potential for Pharmacological Interventions for Low Sex Drive in Men (2021)

Amit G. Reddy, MD,1 Amelia A. Khoei, BS,2 and Mohit Khera, MD1




NTRODUCTION

Despite numerous advancements in the field of sexual medicine, there remain a handful of conditions that are difficult to characterize, have poorly understood pathophysiology, and are challenging to treat. Of this subset of pathologies, a complaint of decreased libido or low sex drive (LSD) is one that is familiar to most sexual medicine providers. The reported prevalence of LSD in the male population...

• madman
• low libido; hssd
• Replies: 14
• Forum: When TRT Is Not Enough (ED, Libido, & More)

* In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), a condition termed male hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), is used to describe patients with low libido or sex drive that is independent and not a clinical sequela of other psychiatric or endocrinologic conditions, or due to pharmacologic side effects.3 Additionally, there is also a distinction that the diagnosis of HSDD cannot be made if a comorbid sexual dysfunction exists. Given the strong prevalence of comorbid sexual dysfunction in men presenting with signs of low libido, Rubio-Aurioles et al. make the case that the term HSDD should then refer only to men without any confounding causes for decreased libido or sex drive as outlined by the DSM-V, and LSD should be a broader term that encompasses men with comorbid conditions, including other sexual dysfunctions, that could contribute to a diminished sexual desire.4 For the purposes of this article, this distinction will be used.

*TESTOSTERONE AND DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE

Testosterone and its derivatives are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for men with low libido. Guidelines set forth by many academic governing bodies such as the Endocrine Society have shown through systematic review and meta-analysis data that clinically significant improvements in low libido are only seen in hypogonadal men who are treated with testosterone replacement therapy, and no such improvements are noted in their eugonadal counterparts suffering from these symptoms.7 In eugonadal men with low libido, a comprehensive workup as previously described should be undertaken to identify other etiologies for their symptoms. Unfortunately, off-label use of testosterone replacement therapies for the treatment of low libido in eugonadal men has become all too common in the community practice setting and can not only be ineffective for patients but also have significant risk for short and long-term side effects.








post #2

Thread 'Truth About Testosterone and Your Libido'

Apr 8, 2023

The Truth About Testosterone and Your Libido

Testosterone might not do as much for your libido as people think it does. Here's what this hormone does and doesn't do for your sex drive.

www.yahoo.com

As an expert on andrology and sexual dysfunctions, urologist Andrew Y. Sun, M.D., sees plenty of patients who’re struggling with low libido. And most are pretty sure they already know why: They must have low testosterone levels. Even if it turns out they don’t, “most of them still strongly believe that increasing their testosterone levels will improve their libido,” says Sun, who practices at Urology Partners of North Texas.

Sun’s...

• madman
• testosterone; libido; trt; sexual health
• Replies: 10
• Forum: Testosterone and Men's Health Articles

• 

Some important points to hammer home here!

*Libido is very complex, and definitely poorly understood

*Testosterone is a threshold hormone. Our bodies need a certain amount for normal functions, but beyond that, there is not necessarily any additional benefit

*The effects of testosterone on libido are incredibly mixed and complicated




Post #2

*Most of them still strongly believe that increasing their testosterone levels will improve their libido

*This hormone isn’t the only biological factor with clear, substantial power over our libidos

*Notably, estrogen, although often characterized as the female sex hormone, plays a major role in maintaining male libido

*Estrogen and testosterone actually balance and support each other in any body

*Complete suppression of estrogen is a surefire way to destroy a man's libido

*Dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin all play a role in libido, too

*Psychological factors like stress and anxiety can lower a person’s libido, no matter how robust their levels of testosterone, estrogen, or any other biological element may be. So can social factors, like relationship troubles

*Even personal beliefs or values about sex and relationships can have a top-down effect on our bodies

*Libido is very complex, and definitely poorly understood

*Testosterone is a threshold hormone. Our bodies need a certain amount for normal functions, but beyond that, there is not necessarily any additional benefit

*The effects of testosterone on libido are incredibly mixed and complicated

*Any number of chronic or acute health issues can affect libido, directly or indirectly. Notably, conditions including diabetes, kidney and liver diseases, recent weight increases, thyroid disorders, and even sleep apnea can all cause a decrease in testosterone, and thus libido, and that decrease can often be reversed by treating this underlying health issue

*Many common drugs, from antidepressants to anticonvulsants, cancer treatments to contraceptives, and more, can all lower libido themselves

*Focus on improving your exercise regimen, hydration, and sleep hygiene These are the low-hanging fruit of libido health

*The hormone works best for people who have the rest of their health in order

The Magic Bullet Fallacy​

It is tempting to reach for a dose of T rather than grapple with this complexity, acknowledges sex counselor and educator Eric Garrison, as it seems like a quick fix: No matter what’s going on in a person’s body or life, surely adding enough raw hormonal fuel will get their libido revved up.

But that's not how T works. In reality, explains Petar Bajic, M.D., a urologist and men’s sexual health specialist affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic, “testosterone is a threshold hormone. Our bodies need a certain amount for normal functions, but beyond that, there is not necessarily any additional benefit.”

Even among people with consistently, verifiably low T—everyone's levels fluctuate quite a bit day by day, and even hour by hour—the effects of testosterone on libido are incredibly mixed and complicated.

If your body produces exceptionally little testosterone, you'll definitely have issues with your sex drive, which will improve once you start taking T. But most people with clinically low T aren't anywhere near that level of lack. Most with mild to moderate low T levels don't actually show signs of low libido—or any other low T symptoms. (Beyond fatigue and low sex drive, low T can also cause mood and concentration issues, losses of muscle and bone strength, increases in body fat levels, and mild anemia.) And those who do have low T levels and low libidos, according to a review paper in PLOS One journal, may only get a modest boost in their sex drives after they start taking testosterone. Some won't see any improvement at all.

Some of this variation likely comes down to the fact that each of our bodies reacts to testosterone a little differently. Some of it just reaffirms the fact that testosterone may not be as key to libido as many of us believe it is. “In cases where men who have low T don’t have improved low libido symptoms from testosterone treatments, it means the problem is not testosterone,” stresses Bajic.