Role of Testosterone in Pathogenesis of Erectile Dysfunction

Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in driving the sexual life of men because all the reproductive organs depend on this hormone. When this hormonal activity is distributed, chances of developing different health issues including erectile dysfunction are on the higher side. Change in Testosterone level can be the basic cause of erectile dysfunction but it is only one of the reasons behind erectile dysfunction.

Testosterone and Pathogenesis

Before the detailed discussion of this topic, it is important to understand some of the basic terms. Testosterone is a hormone that is important for the growth and better functioning of the reproductive organs of males. Similarly, this hormone is responsible for the secondary sexual characteristics of males including the growth of hairs and voice. Pathogenesis is a branch of science that highlights the study of diseases. It explains the origin and development of diseases. Erectile dysfunction is an important male-related disorder in which the activity of erection diminished and the patient is unable to drive his sexual desires and orientations. Erection is a sexual desire in males that promotes their sexual activities.

Explanation

Erectile dysfunction is an increasingly common health issue in males. Change in libido has been observed and this change in behavior is mainly attributed to testosterone level. Mainly, ED has two major causes. The one cause is associated with hormonal (testosterone) changes and the other cause is attributed to other health-related problems. These health-related problems are Blood pressure, Arteriosclerosis, Heart diseases, Diabetes mellitus type 2, and High cholesterol level to name a few.

There may be a third cause to ED, mainly neglected, is mental disturbance because the pituitary gland in the brain is the master of all regulators. It controls the secretions of hormones and we know that erectile dysfunction is mainly due to change in testosterone level which is also a hormone. This specific hormone is necessary for the secondary sexual characteristics of males and it is essential for the growth of the male reproductive parts. This hormone has a specific role during puberty and the maturity of males as well.

If we talk about the role of testosterone in erectile dysfunction, we can describe it in two ways.

The first way is that testosterone and erectile dysfunction are correlated with each other. It is observed that a low level of testosterone and subsequent erectile dysfunction normally takes place at a later age. This trend is considered normal, as testosterone level decreases with age. It indicates testosterone’s role in erectile dysfunction but medical practices proved that this problem can be treated by improving and raising the testosterone level, at least at an early age. 30% of patients of erectile dysfunction get recovery by raising the level of testosterone or by testosterone replacement but 70% of patients did not recover. The success rate is high in younger males compared to older ones.

The erectile dysfunction and testosterone are not related only by age which is a normal process. These both are related to the quality of erection as well. As we know the testosterone is helpful in the normal erection process in men. If a normal erection does not proceed in males, it may be a sign of lower testosterone level. Testosterone is the only booster of erection. If there will be a low level of testosterone in the body then the activity of erection will not be regulated and there will be more chances of getting erectile dysfunction.

The other reasons that are noted in patients of erectile dysfunction are related to blood circulation and underlying diseases. When the circulation of blood is not adequate in the penis, it becomes harder for the men to get erected and sustained it. Similarly, if a patient is passing through any mental disorder, chances of testosterone disturbance in the body are very higher that can lead to erectile dysfunction. These health problems can be deal with through various measures. Exercise and other activities that make men physically fit can lessen the chances of these diseases.

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