Men's Health Conditions
Conditions
In order to help you better understand male endocrine disorders, the following are male endocrine disorder condition scenarios presented in the form of questions from patients with answers from our experts.
Loss of sexual desireMy husband, now 60, seems to have lost interest in sex. We were having sex once a week or at least once every other week until about six months ago. Now whenever I want to have sex he says he is too tired or not interested. Is there something wrong with him or me? Does he need Viagra or do I?
Interest in sex-libido is governed by a man’s mood, his ability to concentrate his mind on sex-sensate focus as well as the free flow of blood into the erectile chambers of his penis so that when sexually aroused, he responds with a fully rigid erection. An adequate quotient of testosterone ensures that the system runs smoothly.
When a man is young his testicles spew out generous supplies of testosterone; and, as sexual thoughts surface, he is easily aroused responding with an erection to almost any sexual cue. As he matures, erections continue in sexual situations but not always with the same spontaneity and vigor of his youth. When sexual desire diminishes it may be due either to illness, depression, or a declining i.e., low serum testosterone. A visit to the doctor will help sort out the problem and help implement a treatment plan such as therapy and/or anti-depressant medication to ameliorate depression and testosterone supplements to normalize serum testosterone levels.
A medical history is the first step to clarify the nature of the problem. A detailed inventory of medication, both prescription and over the counter, currently in use is critical for medications are often the culprit when libido wanes and erectile vigor can no longer be sustained.
Not all doctors are comfortable discussing sexual problems and betray their own anxiety by responding to the word “sex” or “ED” by writing a prescription for Viagra, Levitra or Cialis to dispose of the problem and the patient as quickly as possible.
Insist on a full evaluation, which should consist of history, including a detailed inventory of current medications of tobacco and alcohol use, and physical exam as well as blood tests for hormone levels. Effective treatment follows proper diagnosis.
My doctor said I have a very low testosterone level and that could cause ED. He recommended that I have testosterone injections every two weeks. I am squeamish about injections. Is there any other way I can raise my testosterone level?
Yes, a low serum testosterone level may be responsible for ED and therapy designed to increase serum testosterone levels can be helpful in restoring a man’s sexual vigor. Several treatment options exist to help normalize serum testosterone, including testosterone injections into a man’s buttocks or shoulder muscles, as well as skin surface treatment involving the application of a testosterone impregnated patch on the back or shoulders, or one of two testosterone gels rubbed onto the shoulders or abdomen will raise a man’s serum testosterone level.
