TRT, Low Testosterone, and Your Sexual Health

Posted: April 9, 2020

An estimated 4.5 million older American men have low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism. Low testosterone can cause many undesirable symptoms, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and difficulty concentrating. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) helps many men with hypogonadism reduce their symptoms of low testosterone.

Low testosterone doesn’t have to wreak havoc on your sex life. TRT injections may help improve your sex drive and erectile function.

Low T levels can also affect your sexual health. Sexual health is important at any age. However, as we get older, most adults notice a declining interest in sex and may experience sexual difficulties like erectile dysfunction. Testosterone plays a vital role in libido, erectile function, and many other important factors of your sexual health. TRT may also help with sexual symptoms related to hypogonadism as you age. Learn more about the benefits of maintaining your sexual health, how low testosterone can impact sexual activity, and how TRT may help you reduce symptoms that may prevent you from having an active sex life.

The Importance of Sexuality as We Age

Many adults notice that they are less interested in sex and engage in sexual activity less frequently as they age. Declining testosterone levels may be contributing to these issues. However, a healthy sex life is important at any age. In fact, a recent study of adults from age 50 to 89 sought to determine just how important it is to maintain sexual health as we get older. The study found that adults who reported taking part in any sexual activity, including kissing, in the past year had higher quality of life scores. Therefore, sexual activity helps your wellbeing as you age.

The research also gave some interesting insights into sexual health for the men who participated in the study. The surveyed men reported a greater enjoyment of life if they were overall satisfied with their sex life. Additionally, men who had intercourse at least twice a month also experienced higher quality of life scores. Sexuality, therefore, can have a huge impact on your happiness.

However, many men in the study also noted some sexual concerns that could affect sexuality. The most reported worry surrounding sex for the surveyed men was erectile function. Many had anxiety over erectile dysfunction, which can have negative consequences on sexual health. Many men with erectile dysfunction also have low testosterone. Therefore, hypogonadism could negatively impact your sexual health.

How Low Testosterone Affects Sexual Health

A lot of research shows the positive correlation between testosterone levels and erectile function. In other words, those with low testosterone also often experience erectile dysfunction. A recent study looked at men who had erectile dysfunction and found that 41.5% of the participants also had low testosterone levels. Additionally, men with hypogonadism are also at an increased risk for coronary artery disease, which is a cardiovascular disease that can also affect men’s sexual function. Therefore, if you often experience difficulties getting an erection or keeping an erection, you may have low testosterone levels.

Another element of your sexual health is your sex drive. Many men with hypogonadism also notice that they have low libido. Declining testosterone levels may be to blame for experiencing a lower sex drive. Also, testosterone levels can also affect your mood. Men with low testosterone often experience depressive symptoms and mood changes. These elements of your mental health can also lower your libido.

Low T can wreak havoc on your life in many ways. Some symptoms of hypogonadism that may relate to your sexual health include erectile dysfunction, low libido, and loss of morning erections. However, testosterone replacement therapy can help reduce many symptoms of low testosterone.

TRT May Improve Sexual Health For Men with Low Testosterone

Doctors prescribe TRT for men who have lower than normal testosterone levels. While testosterone naturally declines with age, some men experience levels that are below the healthy baseline levels. This can lead to many symptoms, including sexual difficulties. However, TRT can help raise your serum testosterone levels back to the healthy threshold and reduce many of the symptoms of hypogonadism.

TRT can also improve sexual symptoms related to low testosterone. Men on testosterone replacement treatment often notice improvements in their erectile function as they reach baseline levels. Patients with hypogonadism and mild forms of erectile dysfunction may notice they can more easily obtain and maintain an erection after starting TRT. Oftentimes, this leads to increased sexual activity.

Researchers recently wanted to study the effects of TRT on sexual health and sexual desire. They found that men who started testosterone therapy improved their scores for erectile function, sexual health, and overall quality of life. Participants improved on 10 out of 12 different measures of sexual interest, including:

• Sexual day dreams
• Anticipation of sex
• Sexual interactions with their partners
• Orgasms
• Ejaculation
• Intercourse
• Masturbation
• Spontaneous erections during the night
• Erections in response to sexual activity

The two measures that men in the TRT group didn’t notice improvements in were spontaneous daytime erections and flirting. However, the study also noted that men who were sexually active before the trials noticed increased libido. Therefore, the study suggests that TRT can help promote sexual interest in men with low testosterone levels.

TRT May Help with Mood Changes that Affect Your Sex Life

Other studies show that TRT can help improve mood changes and depressive symptoms related to low testosterone. Depression can also lead to negative outcomes for your sexual health, including your sex drive. Many doctors prescribe anti-depressants for depressive symptoms related to low testosterone levels. However, some anti-depressants can worsen low libido and erectile dysfunction, thereby worsening the other symptoms of low testosterone. By contrast, TRT may help improve your mood, libido, and erectile function, which may lead to better sexual health and quality of life as you age.

If you believe you may be suffering from low testosterone levels, the team at Low T Center may be able to help. We believe that men’s healthcare should be convenient, affordable, and adapted to your lifestyle. Our providers take the time to home in on what could be causing your symptoms and identify underlying causes. Then, we work with you to find a personalized treatment plan that fits who you are as an individual. Schedule an appointment online for a comprehensive health assessment at one of our convenient 47 locations to start feeling better. At Low T Center, we are here to help you achieve better health.

Related Posts

Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.