Testosterone and Sexual Health: It’s Complicated

Now more than ever, testosterone is something that is discussed in terms of a guy’s sexual health. There’s nary a man alive who doesn’t know that testosterone is important to muscle tone, performance capability, penis health, and so on. “T levels” are tossed around as a topic of conversation, and many guys boast about how they’re “all T’d up” after a workout (or before a date). But while it’s true that testosterone does have a role to play in sexual health, the fact is that exactly how testosterone fits in is a little more complicated than that.

A natural thing

As most men know, testosterone is a male hormone. Mainly produced in the balls, it plays a role in sexual development (e.g., presence of body hair, growth and development of penis and balls, sperm production, etc.), helps the muscles build and tone, aids in bone mass, and helps to boost a guy’s libido. In addition, testosterone levels play some role in hair loss and depression as well. (There are other factors which come into play, of course.)

Often when a man is having issues in some of these areas – especially those involving sexual health or muscle development – testosterone supplementation may be suggested. In such cases, a qualified physician would assess the issue and make recommendations on exactly what kind of testosterone therapy to prescribe.

OTC

Sometimes, however, men may self-diagnosis an issue with testosterone – or may take an actual physician diagnosis of testosterone – and decide to treat it themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) versions of testosterone.

The problem is that often what a man is getting is not actual a dose of testosterone; it is instead something which claims to “boost” testosterone. In other words, the product doesn’t actually add testosterone itself but is intended to help the body create more of the hormone. Most OTC testosterone boosters are not regulated by governmental authorities, and so there is some concern about their ability to actually boost testosterone production, as well as about how they might interact with other medications or with physical/medical characteristics of an individual.

And some OTC boosters may not work in the way intended. For example, one which is used to boost testosterone to increase libido does seem to provide a very small uptick in testosterone – but may actually diminish libido. (Conversely, one popular booster does indeed seem to boost libido in some men, but does Not seem to have any effect on testosterone.)

Injections

Sometimes doctors prescribe injections of actual testosterone (which may be natural or may be a synthetic version). A man should receive testosterone injections only under the care of a qualified and trusted medical professional. Many men with normal testosterone insist on supplementation, but there can be issues with boosting T levels, including altering blood pressure, cardiac issues, sleep problems, prostate enlargement, dermatological problems, and more. In some instances, too much testosterone results in it being transmuted into estrogen, too much of which can cause its own problems (including male breast development).

Essentially, while testosterone levels are important, trying to ‘self-medicate” to increase the levels can be dangerous. Leave it to a good doctor to determine how to proceed.

Testosterone can impact sexual health, but maintaining overall penis health can be aided by the regular application of a first rate penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The informed shopper will select a crème that include L-arginine, which is an amino acid that helps to boost nitric oxide production. This in turn enables penile blood vessels to more readily expand to accommodate increased blood flow during arousal. Ideally, the crème should also include vitamin C, which also aids in blood flow and which in addition is a key element in giving penis skin its tone and elasticity.

Penis Size and Testosterone: A Connection?

Even though most women acknowledge that penis size is not usually one of the most important attributes they look for in a man, this topic continues to be an obsession for many men - and not just those whose penis size might be considered on the smaller side of things. Many men with perfectly decent-sized members still desire more, either in length, girth or both. It’s well known that skill and penis health are more important in practical terms, of course; but something in the makeup of many men craves a physical sign that they are exceptionally virile. And that often leads to attempts, such as raising testosterone levels, in a quest to achieve a larger penis size.

But does testosterone actually make a guy’s penis bigger? An internet search will turn up articles - some from respected newspapers - about men who did use testosterone to achieve penile growth. But these articles come with a catch.

Hypogonadism

Most of the time, reports that claim something along the lines of a man doubling his penis size by using testosterone are misleading. They’re not necessarily false - often the man in question has indeed seen his penis become larger. But they give the false hope that any man who wants a bigger package can get it just by raising his T levels.

Typically, reports of a man’s penis enlarging due to testosterone involve a case in which the person in question suffered from a condition known as hypogonadism, which occurred early in life. Hypogonadism basically is a deficiency of testosterone. When it occurs before or during puberty, it has the effect of diminishing a man’s sexual development. Without sufficient testosterone, a boy will see little or no development in terms of growth of facial and pubic hair, lowering of the voice, and growth of the testes and penis.

In extreme cases, a grown man may have a penis that is essentially the size of a pre-pubescent boy’s. In many cases, having testosterone supplementation over an extended period of time - sometimes months or years - will correct this. In such cases, a grown man may indeed have the size of his penis double, just as he would have if his testosterone had kicked in during puberty.

Typical men

However, there seems to be no real evidence that a man who has successfully gone through puberty with no hypogonadism-related issues would see an increase in penis size from testosterone therapy. Also, although some men do acquire hypogonadism post-puberty, the complications typically associated with it (low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decrease in muscle and bone mass, etc.) do not typically have an impact on penis size. When prescribed by a knowledgeable physician, testosterone therapy can have an impact on these adult symptoms, but not on penis size.

Some men may want to experiment with testosterone therapy anyway, despite the lack of evidence for its effect on penis size. However, there is controversy concerning possible long-term effects of testosterone supplementation. Most physicians suggest using it under a doctor’s care to treat legitimate issues (such as erectile dysfunction) instead.

Whatever the testosterone levels and penis size, a man needs to be sure that his manhood is in its best possible state of health. Regular application of a top notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help achieve that admirable goal. Definitely look for a crème that contains both L-arginine and L-carnitine. The former is an amino acid which plays a role in the development of nitric oxide; this in turn helps to keep penile blood vessels open and receptive to increased flow. The latter is a neuroprotective ingredient which protects against peripheral nerve damage and the subsequent loss of sensation that can result.

Can Penis Pain Be Due to Testosterone?

A guy will overcome a host of obstacles in search of sex, but when penis pain rears its ugly head, it can sometimes derail the plans of even the most ardent seeker of sexual fulfillment. Sometimes that pain can be related to CPPS (chronic pelvic pain syndrome), a condition in which the pelvis area experiences various levels of pain. So men who are interested in their penis health and want to avoid penis pain should know that some doctors believe low testosterone may actually cause CPPS.

CPPS
 
CPPS is a form of prostatitis, meaning the prostate gland is painfully inflamed. This inflammation can result in pain anywhere in the pelvic area. Sometimes the pain may be in one area, sometimes in another; the intensity of the pain can also vary from one day to another or even one hour to the next.
Often that pain can show up in the penis, and for men with CPPS this is especially true during the urination or ejaculation. In some cases, the intensity of the pain during ejaculation can be such that it dampens a man’s enthusiasm for and willingness to engage in sex.

Study link
 
In 2016, the Journal of Sexual Medicine published a study that indicates a link between CPPS and testosterone levels. The scientists wanted to look at men whose testosterone levels fell below a certain benchmark and compare them to men with higher levels of the hormone, with the goal of seeing if there was any link with CPPS. So they enrolled 948 men with a testosterone level of 3.5 or lower and 4,740 men with levels above that mark.

Sure enough, when the data was tabulated, the scientists found the men in the low testosterone level were more likely to have CPPS - whether mild, moderate or severe - than those in the higher testosterone group. This was especially true for those with a level of 3.0 or lower.

Not conclusive
 
One study is not conclusive evidence, but it does suggest that a link makes sense.
So what should a guy do? Well, first he should check with his doctor to see what his testosterone levels are. If they are low, he should then discuss with the doctor whether he should do anything to help raise his testosterone.

There are several ways that testosterone levels can be raised, including doctor-supervised supplementation. But here are a few other natural ways for helping keep the testosterone up:

- Sleep. A well-rested man naturally produces more testosterone. Getting the proper amount of sleep consistently enables the body to adjust itself and keep testosterone production on track.

- Stay at a healthy weight. Carrying extra poundage creates an array of problems, including a drop in testosterone. But that same is true for men who weigh too little. If a guy is unsure what his proper weight should be, consulting a doctor can be helpful.

- Exercise. A sedentary lifestyle discourages the body from pumping up the male hormone. A man doesn’t need to spend hours every day at the gym, but planning regular walks, indulging in a sports activity or doing yardwork can keep a guy’s body tuned up.

- Avoid stress. Like obesity, stress is bad for so many reasons - and testosterone depletion is among them.

- Have sex. Studies suggest the more sex a man has, the more testosterone he produces. So having sex, whether with a partner or by himself, is an enjoyable way to keep the hormones happening.

Avoiding penis pain and keeping testosterone levels up help keep a man prepared for an active sex life. So does keeping the penis in good overall health, which can be aided by daily use of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Find one that includes both alpha lipoic acid and acetyl L carnitine. The former is a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals and ensures cellular health, while the latter is a neuroprotective and fights loss of penile sensation. The two interact synergistically, so finding both in one crème is a bonus.

Low Testosterone? A Penis Self-Examination is in Order

In order to keep his health in tip-top shape, a man must know his whole body. Every little spot, every small ache, every strange change, all must be noticed. This includes anything that might be different about the penis. In fact, regular penis self-examination is a powerful tool in good penis care.

But many men look at their penis and wonder if it is any different. Is it smaller than it used to be? Is it less sensitive? Are the erections not quite as hard? And in fact, are there other differences as well, things that are happening in the rest of the body that don’t make much sense?

A man who wonders all these things might be looking at a problem with low testosterone. Here’s what every man should know about how this very important male hormone affects his overall health, not just his penis.

What low testosterone does to the body 
 
Men are already well aware that testosterone fuels the sex drive. Most are also aware that testosterone levels gradually decrease with time, and that is part of the reason that most men see their sex drive diminish a bit with age. But there are other things that can be a red flag for low testosterone that deserve a look.

1. Muscle begins to shrink. Suddenly it becomes harder to get through those reps at the gym, or all that muscle that was earned through so much effort is now looking smaller each and every day. This is because the body moves into a catabolic state (instead of the typical and expected anabolic state), and as a result, it begins breaking down muscle. It can happen in as little as a week.

2. A man puts on a spare tire. That bulge in the middle, right above the belt, where a man hates to see that ‘beer gut’ forming is right where Low T leaves its mark. Men who have lower levels of testosterone are more likely to develop body fat around the middle, as well as the more troubling visceral fat, which is fat that builds up around the organs.

3.His mood is volatile. Anyone, man or woman, can be significantly affected by a change in hormone levels. For men, the loss of testosterone often means a blue mood of depression, anxiety, irritability and the like. To make matters worse, depression can trigger the body to produce even less testosterone, leading to a vicious cycle.

4. His memory sucks. Parts of the brain that serve memory and cognition have testosterone receptors in them, which means that the less hormone flowing, the less likely those areas are strengthened. The result is a decline in how much a man can remember, as well as other aspects of mental function. The problem gets worse with time.

5. His heart is in danger. Just as testosterone play a vital role in opening up the blood vessels that lead to the penis, it works the same way in other areas of the body, such as the heart. Those who have Low T for a long time might have a greater probability of heart attacks and other heart problems.

Part of the Penis Self-Examination
 
When a man is looking at his penis to determine how things are down there, it pays to look at the size and note if it might be a bit smaller than usual. It is also a good idea to think about other aspects as well, such as the strength of erections, how the sex drive has been lately and other factors that play into a fulfilling intimate life.

In addition, a man should do all he can to help ensure the penis is as healthy as possible. A good option for this is a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin), applied on a regular basis to the penis skin. Look specifically for a crème that is good to the blood vessels - that will include vitamin C for healthy circulation, L-arginine for great blood flow, and vitamin D, which protects cellular function.

Low Sex Drive in Men: Is Low Testosterone to Blame?

Every man knows how it feels to go through a period of low sex drive. We’ve all been there. Even a man who takes great care of himself, exercises properly, eats right, stays healthy, has a satisfying intimate life and practices excellent penis care can sometimes find that sex is the last thing on his mind.

Fortunately for most men, that low sex drive lasts for only a little while. Peace of mind is also easy to come by, because it is usually clear exactly what caused it. Serious stress at work, being too tired to think straight, and even being anxious about an upcoming meeting or event can be enough to make a man want to say, "Not tonight, honey."

Give it a few days, and things are right back to normal!

Low sex drive that doesn’t go away

But sometimes, that low sex drive in men just lingers. It might ebb and flow a bit, but for the most part, the interest in any intimate activities with a partner has significantly diminished. There is no apparently physical or medical cause. There is no psychological issue. There is just the sad silence of a sex drive that has vanished.

Anyone in this situation should start looking into what low testosterone levels can do.

Low testosterone, also known as Low-T, can lead to a very low sex drive in men. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg: Low-T can also lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, a decrease in muscle and bone mass, infertility, and an inability to get it up. To make matters worse, the mood changes caused by Low-T - especially depression - can make a man really not care that his sex drive has tanked.

A low sex drive in men caused by low testosterone is much more common than most men think. Over three million men are diagnosed with it each year. Men tend to have peak testosterone levels at age 20, and then see a very gradual decline through the age of 40. After that, testosterone levels might drop faster with each passing decade.

But knowing that testosterone gradually drops is not cause to believe that the sex drive has fallen victim to ‘getting older.’ Men who are far into their golden years can still have an excellent sex drive! When the sex drive plummets to almost nothing and stays there for a while with no apparent cause, then it’s time to worry, no matter the age.

What if low testosterone is the problem?

If any of the above symptoms are present in addition to the plummeting sex drive, it’s time to see the doctor. Low testosterone can be detected with a simple blood test. The doctor then might perform further tests to figure out which treatment is best. For most men, treatment consists of simple hormone replacement therapy. This might consist of pills, patches, topical gels, implantable pellets, injections, or even applying a testosterone ‘putty’ treatment to the area above the top teeth. The proper treatment depends upon how bad the problem is, how well a man tolerates various hormone supplementations, and other factors.

While a man is taking care of his testosterone needs, he should also be looking to other ways to improve his physical and emotional fitness. In addition to regular sleep, good exercise and a healthy diet, men should add a good penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) to their everyday care regimen. The best nutrient cream will contain vitamins, such as vitamin E for soft skin, vitamin A for anti-aging, and vitamin B5 for cell metabolism and maintenance of healthy tissue. Natural enzymes and amino acids, combined together with the vitamins in a strong emollient like Shea butter, can help men rest assured that they are taking good care of their penis health.

Can Penis Pain from Prostatitis Be Related to Testosterone?

Prostatitis (and the penis pain associated with it) is one of the most common penile concerns that men face, and for many, the condition is unfortunately chronic. The results from a new study looking at chronic prostatitis now suggest that testosterone levels may play a role in this painful condition -- knowledge that may be useful for men as they plan their penis care regimens.

About prostatitis
As might be guessed from the name, prostatitis affects the prostate, a gland that is a component of a man’s reproductive system. The prostate is found between the penis and the bladder and is responsible for making fluid that is a key component of semen.

Prostatitis occurs when the prostate becomes infected or inflamed. The gland becomes quite tender in this state, and it can therefore create considerable discomfort in the groin area. If the infection spreads throughout the urinary tract, the pain can become even more intense. Men are most likely to experience this pain when urinating or ejaculating, but it may exist at lower levels all the time. Aside from the physical aspect of this condition, a man who has chronic prostatitis may also experience moodiness or feelings of depression.

Testosterone
There can be numerous factors that may play a role in developing prostatitis, but a recent study in the peer-reviewed "Journal of Sexual Medicine" has found that a man’s testosterone level may be an important factor that has not typically been associated with the condition.

In this study, scientists looked at 948 men who had low testosterone levels (defined for this study as lower than 3.5) and at 4,740 men whose testosterone was above 3.5. When they looked at cases of prostatitis (whether, mild, moderate or severe), the men with the lower testosterone were more likely to have prostatitis than the men with the higher levels.

Factors
The scientists also tried to factor in other factors, such as age, weight, etc., but even taking these into account, there was enough evidence to suggest that testosterone does play some role in prostatitis development. However, there need to be further studies to see if these results occur again, and also studies that are designed to look at some factors that this study did not cover, such as smoking or drinking.

Treatment
If future studies provide enough evidence of a testosterone link, this may help doctors to better treat - or even prevent - prostatitis. Treatment typically depends upon the cause associated with an individual case. If a man is prone to developing prostatitis and testosterone turns out to be a factor, therapy with the hormone may be beneficial. That, of course, will require further studies to determine in which cases it is beneficial and at what doses. So this study is a "baby step,’ but on which has the potential to bring about change down the road.

In the meantime, men with penis pain - especially chronic penis pain - need to consult their doctors. If the pain is due to prostatitis, the doctor can determine the cause and the best course of treatment - which may be antibiotics, pain relievers, muscle relaxers, prostate massage, dietary changes, etc.
While testosterone may one day be proven as a link to prostatitis, men need to deal with penis pain issues in the meantime. Keeping the penis healthy can help, and premium penis health is more easily obtained if a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) is included in one’s daily penis care regimen. If the crème contains vitamin D, a man knows that his penis is receiving a healthy dose of the "miracle vitamin," which boasts proven benefits in fighting disease and in keeping cellular function healthy. The best crème will also include a potent antioxidant, preferably alpha lipoic acid. This antioxidant combats free radicals that cause cellular damage through oxidative stress. Keeping the free radicals at bay keeps penis skin looking younger and healthier. A healthier penis is in a better position to resists penis pain.

Overcome Low Sex Drive Naturally -7 Powerful Testosterone Boosters

Men frequently raise concerns about diminished or inadequate sex drive - an issue that is generally thought of as a product of the aging process, but may also affect younger men. While testosterone levels are not the only things that can affect a man's sexual readiness factor, they can play a big part in it, and men who have concerns about penis health should definitely consult with a doctor to see if raising testosterone is a route that they should explore.

What exactly is testosterone?
The word testosterone is tossed around with abandon nowadays, so it's a good idea to be clear about what it actually is. Testosterone is a male sex hormone. When a boy reaches puberty, his body releases testosterone in order to help with masculine development. The hormone works to develop muscles, create pubic and chest hair, bring the voice down in pitch and mature the penis and testicles. It also is a major contributing factor to the sex drive.

Testosterone does begin to decline gradually sometime after a man hits 30; however, the decline can be very gradual, and significant decreases in sex drive are often more likely to be related to other health factors (e.g., stress, high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, etc.). As mentioned earlier, consulting with a doctor can help determine if testosterone therapy is the appropriate path to take to improve penis health.

Ways to boost testosterone.
 
Testosterone replacement or supplemental therapies may be recommended by a doctor; however, there are more "natural" ways to increase testosterone that may be recommended, such as:

- Vitamin D. Although studies have not decisively confirmed this, it is thought that vitamin D plays a role in testosterone production, so raising the D may also raise the T.

- Zinc. Hypogonadism is a condition that negatively impacts hormone production, and lack of zinc can play a role in hypogonadism. Even in men without hypogonadism, zinc is an important component of the process that regulates male hormone production. Oysters, by the way, are high in zinc, which may be the reason they have earned a reputation as an effective aphrodisiac.

- Working out. Weightlifting has a significant relationship to the amount of testosterone that circulates through the bloodstream during and after a good workout. (This is one of the reasons many men feel especially "primed for action" after going to the gym.)

- Losing weight. Accumulating excess body fat is not just bad for overall health, it also can throw hormone production out of balance. While obesity does not by itself lower testosterone, it does increase the production of estrogen, which negates the effects of testosterone.

- Herbs. Certain herbs, such as saw palmetto and ginseng, are thought to aid in testosterone production. Herbal supplements should be used with caution, however, because even natural, plant-based products can have adverse side effects and may react with certain medications.

- Certain fats. Monounsaturated fats and saturated fats are considered positive testosterone producers; trans-fatty and hydrogenated fats are not. That means loading up on nuts, olive oil and whole milk dairy products and watching out for French fries, donuts, shortening, and the like.

- Garlic. At least one study has indicated that garlic helps along the testosterone production process. Be advised, of course, that garlic does have a noticeable impact on breath freshness, so time the consumption in such a way as to not offend a partner when moving in for that first kiss of the night.
Penis health is not focused solely around hormone production, of course; it's equally crucial that the organ's overall health be attended to, and that requires the utilization of a top notch penis nutrient cream (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil). Men should search out a cream that contains L-arginine, an enzyme with beneficial effects on the all-important penis blood vessels and, as a result, proper oxygenation of organ cells. The selected cream should also include a wide range of vitamins, including B5, which is needed to ensure healthy penis cell metabolism.