Does Low Testosterone Impact Sexual Performance? Yes, and Here’s How

Testosterone! Men like to claim their bodies are full of it. In pop culture, it’s taken on a meaning that is inextricable from virility and sexuality. Yet the truth is that a lot of men don’t have all the testosterone they need to maintain sexual performance - and also for their overall general health. Because while testosterone is associated in the public mind with sexual matters, it actually has uses that extend beyond the penis.

About testosterone

Just to bring everyone up to speed, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It’s also an anabolic steroid. As Wikipedia points out, testosterone "plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair."

But testosterone also has uses in general health and well-being, and in particular in helping to prevent osteoporosis (which is the loss of bone mass, which can lead to frail bones that break easily.)

Men produce testosterone naturally, and production ramps up markedly during puberty (which is why a guy’s penis and balls grow and hair starts to develop all over the body during the teen years). But somewhere around age 30, the body starts producing a little less testosterone each year - a decline of somewhere around 1% per year. In addition, there may be other reasons why a man has less testosterone than he should, such as diet, exercise, etc. As a matter of fact, some scientists believe that low testosterone is significantly under-diagnosed and may affect as many as 13 million men, 90% of whom go untreated.

Issues

But just what are some of the problems associated with low testosterone?

- Sex drive and function. The one that most guys know about and worry about the most. When testosterone levels are low, a man has less desire for sex. In some cases, erections may be harder to come by, although actual erectile dysfunction is not typically a side effect of low testosterone by itself.

- Depression. Many men with low testosterone find it affects their mental health, especially in terms of depression. Since lower testosterone occurs as a guy ages, and since many men feel depressed about aging, the lower testosterone may worsen a predisposition to depression.

- Sleep problems. Sleep patterns are often disrupted by too little testosterone. This can lead to insomnia, which can take the form of having trouble falling asleep or of waking and being unable to get back to sleep. Some men may already have sleep apnea, which in turn contributes to lower testosterone as well.

- Emotional issues . Beyond depression, low levels of testosterone are associated with other emotional changes, such as sadness or irritability. It can also dampen enthusiasm and motivation, and can impact self-confidence.

- Fatigue. Low energy levels are often a byproduct of low testosterone. A man tires more easily or has a harder time getting started in the mornings.

- Physical changes . Sometimes the change in testosterone levels correlates with physical changes in a man. He may gain weight more easily or lose some of the strength he used to have. Body hair may decrease and he may develop some fat tissue in the breast area. It also can lead to a weakening of the bones. All of this can contribute to feelings of depression, which low testosterone already can make more likely.

If a man worries he may have low testosterone, he needs to speak with his doctor for a diagnosis and to determine if treatments are needed.

In the meantime, he needs to work to keep his penis as healthy as possible, and that includes regular use of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . The best crème will include L-arginine and alpha lipoic acid. The former boosts nitric oxide production, which helps penile blood vessels expand for increased blood flow when needed. The latter is an antioxidant that protects the penis cells from free radicals and the oxidative stress they can cause.

Does Low Testosterone Impact Sexual Health? Understanding Male Menopause

Although many people have negative feelings toward aging, getting old is still better than the alternative (as has been said many times). In recent times, there has been a lot of talk about male menopause (also sometimes called andropause), a change in men which is purported to be similar to the "change of life" that women experience. Since male menopause would definitely be a penis health concern, it’s good to spend a little time looking at andropause and understanding just what it is and what is involved.

Controversy

First, it’s important to know that there is some debate as to whether there really is such a thing as male menopause. In essence, this is more a debate concerning whether the use of the term male menopause is appropriate. (Other terms used to describe male menopause include ADAM (androgen decline in the aging male), late onset hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency). All these terms describe a condition in which there is a gradual but significant decrease in testosterone levels in men as they age. It is different from menopause in women, which is a more complex chemical shift with more resulting changes.

However, there are also many doctors who believe the condition is not really as prevalent as many articles in recent years suggest. The British National Health Service, for example, calls it "rare."

What is it?

So, with all the controversy, what exactly are we talking about here? Essentially, as stated above, this is all about men losing testosterone as they age - and what that means for them.

Some loss of testosterone is typically associated with aging. Around age 30, men begin to see a decrease in testosterone of about 1% per year. This drop in testosterone is so gradual that most men don’t really see effects for many years - usually not until they get to be around 60 years of age. About 20% of men in their 60s have what would be considered low testosterone; when you move to men in their 70s, the figure is thought to be about 30%. But there are many men who maintain "normal" testosterone levels into their 80s and beyond.

Complicating matters is the fact that there are some men who, when their testosterone levels are measured, would be considered "low testosterone" - but they don’t present with any of the symptoms associated with low testosterone (and therefore with male menopause).

Symptoms

What are those symptoms? They include:

- Lower libido

- Fewer spontaneous erections

- Erectile dysfunction

- Infertility

- Fatigue and sleep problems

- Muscle loss and loss of height/increased body fat

- Night sweats

- Loss of body hair

- Shrunken testes

- Irritability

- Depression

Not everyone with low testosterone exhibits all of these symptoms (and as mentioned, some men exhibit none of them).

Older men who experience some of these symptoms should discuss them with their doctors to see what kind of treatment might be desirable. Often lifestyle changes and mental health assistance can be very valuable. In some instances, testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended; however, there are risks associated with this option, and they should be thoroughly discussed and carefully weighed in making a decision.

Taking steps to maintain general health (a sensible diet, appropriate exercise, etc.) can help a man offset some of the effects of aging. It’s also important to regularly use a superior penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to help keep that organ in good working order as it ages. Look especially for a crème that contains two amino acids, L-arginine and L carnitine. The former is important because it helps in the process whereby penile blood vessels are able to remain open and receptive to flow increases. The latter is neuroprotective, so that if a penis has suffered loss of sensation from rough use or overuse, it can help restore sensitivity.

Sex Drive and Male Testosterone - Could Low Hormone Levels Be Ruining His Love Life?

There comes a time in every man’s life when his sex life starts to lag. For the lucky ones, this doesn’t happen until they have reached a certain age of maturity, wherein it’s less stressful to struggle with a low sex drive. For others, this problem may occur at an age when he really doesn’t expect to be dealing with it yet; this can often have embarrassing consequences. Whether a man is 20 or going on 70, a marked shift in one’s sex drive warrants a trip to the doc to determine what could be the cause. This shift in libido and interest may be the result of a dipping testosterone level, and it may be reversed with appropriate treatment. Though a man’s hormone levels may be difficult to control, there are other ways he can take his penis health into his own hands - no pun intended!

What are the signs of a low testosterone level?
Men battling a low testosterone (low T) level may experience tiredness, irritability, muscle loss, and possibly even erectile dysfunction issues in addition to their lowering sex drive. Known by the medical term andropause - also known as male menopause or man-o-pause - the condition is real and has a medical basis to it. Though it is more common in older men, young men can also experience these symptoms if they have a hormonal imbalance or deficiency of T. The changes tend to be gradual; in fact, they often happen over the course of several years. For a man with no glandular or hormonal issues, the gradual decline begins around the age of 30 and continues on he ages.

Do all men experience man-o-pause?
While all men certainly do experience a drop in T, it is simply a product of aging, not all men experience the same symptoms. Some men are deeply bothered by it and notice it readily, while others really feel about the same. This difference may be related to how high a man’s T level was in his peak, as well as how drastic the change in his sexuality was. For men who weren’t sex hungry beasts throughout their 20’s and 30’s, the change may be subtle enough that the lowered sex drive is not really an issue in the bedroom.

Is the condition treatable?
Absolutely. Many men who are suffering from low T elect to have hormone replacement therapy in which their doctors prescribe synthetic hormones to them. Treatment may not reverse all symptoms, but it often works to increase sex drive, reduce feelings of depression and improve energy levels. Men who are experiencing a dip in T are also recommended to beef up the exercise program - both cardio and weight lifting - as the drop in the hormone causes a man’s muscle mass to gradually lessen. Often times, the treatment will perk up the pecker enough to resume a normal sex life, but if there continues to be erectile dysfunction (ED) issues, a man may be dealing with two separate problems, in which case the doctor can help sort out both the ED and the low T.

Is the treatment safe?
It is important for a man considering the treatment to speak to his doctor about the risks and benefits of T replacement therapy to ensure he is a good candidate. Research that indicates a possible link between certain types of hormone therapy and an increased risk of prostate cancer. A doctor can best counsel the individual about the risks based on family history and personal health history.

Keeping the sex drive bumping
Of course, a man can help improve his chances at a healthy sex life by staying physically active, getting plenty of exercise, minimizing stress in his life, and avoiding alcohol - all of which help keep the penis in good working order. Additionally, adding a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) containing penis-essential vitamins and minerals can help increase the sensitivity of the penis, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and aging penis skin, and help maintain the health of the penis on a cellular level for many, many years to come.

Male Menopause - Fact or Fiction

Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and irritability are signs of menopause a women – and often her partner – become all too familiar with.  While men are lucky enough to not have such a physical deadline related to their sexual health staring them square in the face, they do experience a decline in sexual functioning, albeit a more gradual one. Andropause, or male menopause, is a condition that occurs in some aging men and is similar to menopause experienced by women.  While certain effects of aging cannot be avoided – no matter how hard one tries – implementing a daily penis care regimen can help fight some signs of penis aging and contribute to the health and well-being of a man’s most favored organ.

What are the symptoms of male menopause?

While men do not go through the same easily recognizable and predictable period in their lives that is comparable to menopause, there is certainly evidence to support that testosterone declines with age.  Male menopause does differ from female menopause in one key way; women stop hormone production entirely, whereas men merely experience a decline. As it stands, the link between male menopause symptoms and the decline in testosterone is still somewhat controversial in the medical world; however, many men experience a certain group of telltale symptoms in conjunction with the decline of the male hormone, which may include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Weakness
• Sexual functioning problems
• Decrease in sexual desire
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Loss of concentration
• Decreased motivation
• Sleep disturbance (insomnia and hypersomnia)
• Increase in body fat stores
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Loss of body hair

The age at which testosterone decline first becomes noticeable is different for all men and may occur for some men in their late 40s or early 50s; the decline remains gradual until the age of 70 when there is a more rapid decrease in the hormone.

How is it diagnosed?

An individual who feels he may be experiencing symptoms of male menopause which warrant treatment should seek evaluation by their medical doctor.  A doctor may do the following:

• Ask about symptom severity and duration
• Perform a routine physical
• Measure testosterone levels via a blood test
• Order tests to rule out other contributing conditions such as thyroid conditions, excessive alcohol use, clinical depression, and medication side effects

How is it treated?

Men suffering from low testosterone levels may be candidates for testosterone replacement therapy. Such treatment is aimed at helping to increase sex drive, reduce depression, and improve feelings of fatigue.  Additional lifestyle changes may be recommended to help combat symptoms of male menopause such as improving ones diet, beginning an exercise program, stress reduction or even antidepressants or other medications.

Individuals considering testosterone replacement therapy need to be aware of the potential risk and side effects of the treatment.  Testosterone replacement therapy may have some links to prostate cancer. A doctor can help determine the best course of action regarding treatment and help weigh the pros and cons of testosterone replacement therapy.

Maintaining Penis Health

Taking care of one’s overall physical health goes a long way in maintaining sexual health as well.  Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, being a non-smoker, avoiding alcohol, managing stress well, and getting plenty of rest are easy ways to keep the body – and penis – running at its optimal level.

Regardless of whether symptoms of male menopause are being experienced or not, caring for the penis now and in the future is an important component of a man’s sexual health.  Daily use of an all-natural penis vitamin creme (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) can help keep the penis functioning at peak levels.  A specially formulated penis creme may help increase sensitivity, improve the appearance of aging skin, and help repair damage on the cellular level.

Improving Sex Drive – Why Testosterone Might Not Be the Answer

In the ongoing search for answers to reverse loss of erectile function, as well as decreased sex drive and other unwelcome aspects of maturing, low levels of testosterone have frequently been blamed. This idea seems logical on the surface, since testosterone has been identified as the hormone responsible for men’s libido. As a result, various products and medical procedures have been developed to respond to the perceived need to boost men’s levels of male hormone.

However, research into the effects of lower testosterone levels do not always support the common belief that low levels of testosterone are at the root of these issues. Understanding the role of testosterone in sexual function and establishing a practical self-care regimen, as well as taking the right steps to maintain a healthy penis, can help men to enjoy a satisfying sex life at any age.

Research on testosterone and sex drive

The male hormone testosterone, which is produced mainly in the testes, is responsible for stimulating the production of sperm, maintaining the reproductive tissue, and supporting a healthy sex drive. It is also important in maintaining energy levels in the body and for supporting bone and muscle mass.

Because of its importance in male sex drive, it is generally believed that decreasing testosterone levels associated with aging are in large part responsible for decreased libido. However, it may come as a surprise to many that men with as little as 15% of the normal testosterone levels experience no significant change in either their sex drive or their energy levels. On the other hand, men whose testosterone level is at 150% of normal experience no corresponding increase in either libido or energy.

So what is the real answer to reduced libido?

If testosterone levels have only a minimal effect on sex drive, then what really causes this problem? Unfortunately, there are no concrete answers; but research has shown that stress levels, emotional issues such as anxiety, cardiovascular health, nerve health, and lifestyle all impact both sexual desire and performance.

Practical tips for a responsive penis

It is normal to hope for a single magic button that can resolve the issue of decreasing function and lower sex drive. The idea of regaining one’s virility through a simple testosterone injection or application of a hormone-boosting gel is attractive, but the truth is that libido and sexual function depend on a complex series of physiological processes; therefore, it is unlikely that addressing only one aspect of these will make for an easy and permanent solution.

In the end, there is no getting around the fact that attention to general self-care is required, including both the physical and emotional aspects of health. Improving sex drive might mean taking a close look at one’s overall lifestyle and determining whether any of the following changes are required:

·      Losing weight – obesity is related to numerous health problems which can decrease sex drive and function, including poor circulation, reduced heart function, reduced levels of stamina, loss of nerve function and poor body image – an emotional issue which can affect a man’s confidence and ability to perform.

·       Quitting smoking – smoking affects heart health, stamina, and penile sensitivity and can take a tremendous toll on sexual function. Kicking the habit can provide a great number of health benefits, including improved sexual performance.

·    Exercising – As everyone knows, exercising helps to increase cardiovascular function, boost energy levels and melt away unwanted pounds. In addition, physical activity stimulates the production of feel-good hormones such as endorphins and dopamine, which can lead to feelings of relaxation and well-being. This helps to counter the effects of stress on the body, as well as helping men to feel more confident and attractive.

·      Caring for the penis – In addition to making lifestyle changes to improve sexual function, proper care of the penis is an important concern. In order to fully enjoy the act of intimacy, healthy skin tone and nerve function is essential. Keeping the penis clean and applying an all-natural penis vitamin formula (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that is rich in skin-conditioning nutrients and moisturizers can play an important role in increasing the pleasurable sensations of sex.