Understanding Erectile Dysfunction & Low Testosterone

A recap of our Men’s Health Webinar with Dr. Richard Natale

In our recent Men’s Health Webinar with urologist Dr. Richard Natale, MD, and compounding pharmacist Greg McKettrick, RPh, we discussed erectile dysfunction and low testosterone. 

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

What is ED?

ED is a common men’s health problem that may be associated with other conditions. It is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to have sexual intercourse.

What causes ED?

The ability to maintain an erection is one sign of a man’s overall health. It has been shown that ED correlates positively with overall poor health and can be an indicator of other underlying issues.

Many of the physical causes are related to poor blood flow and are issues that many men develop as they age. The top 3 physical causes are:

  • Vascular
  • Diabetes
  • Medication

ED can also be a result of or precursor to prostate cancer treatment, diabetes, and heart disease.

Who does ED affect?

ED is much more common than you may think. If you are experiencing ED, you’re not alone. Approximately 39 million American men suffer from ED – that’s 1 in 5 men. More than half of men over 40 have some degree of ED.

What are the treatment options? 

There are a variety of treatment options available for ED. Many men explore all of these options, settling for a combination of treatments. Penile implants could offer a permanent solution.

Oral medications

Increases blood flow to the penis which may improve the ability to get an erection and maintain it
Effective in approximately 50-85% of cases

Vacuum erection devices

A hollow plastic tube is placed over the penis and the pump is used to create a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis
Patient satisfaction rates range from 68-80%

Urethral suppositories

A urethral suppository is administered by inserting the applicator stem into the urethra after urination
In clinical literature, success rates are reported at 40-65%

Injections

Self-inject medication directly into corpora cavernosa for an erection within 5-20 minutes
Approximately 60% of patients were satisfied and continued use

Penile implant

Pair of cylinders are implanted in the penis, a pump is placed inside the scrotum, and a reservoir of saline is placed in the lower abdomen
98% of patients reported erections to be “excellent” or “satisfactory”

Low Testosterone (Low T)

What is Low T?

Low testosterone (sometimes referred to as hypogonadism or low T) occurs when a man’s body produces less testosterone than normal. This decrease in testosterone may increase the risk of sexual dysfunction and the decline of your general wellness.

Like ED, low T is fairly common, affecting approximately 4 in 10 men over the age of 45. This percentage rises as men get older. Low T is more common in men who are obese, have diabetes, have high cholesterol or high blood pressure than in men without these conditions.

How is low T related to ED?

ED is one sign that you could be experiencing low T. When it comes to erections and sexual wellness, the distinction is that low T correlates with a man’s “want to” and ED correlates with a man’s “can do.”

What are the signs and symptoms of low T?

There are physical, mental, and sexual symptoms of low T, so take a complete assessment of how you’re feeling in every aspect.

Physical:

  • Fatigue and loss of energy
  • Decreased muscle and strength
  • Increased body fat
  • Loss of hair or reduced need to shave
  • Decreased physical or work performance
  • Hot flashes, sweats

Mental or emotional:

  • Feeling sad or blue
  • Less motivation or drive to do things
  • Less self-confidence and enthusiasm
  • Poor concentration and memory

Sexual:

  • Reduced sex drive (libido)
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED)

What are the treatment options for low T?

If you are diagnosed with low T, there are available treatment options you can discuss with your healthcare professional. Some examples include testosterone gels, patches, oral medications, injections.

Let’s find a solution for your men’s health issues.

If you think you’re experiencing ED or low T – or if you’ve already received a diagnosis – our team of pharmacists is ready to work with you and your physician to find the right treatment.

Contact the team at Stanley Specialty Pharmacy to schedule a consultation.