The majority of research studies on testosterone treatment have shown an enhancement of sexual drive and sexual function in patients who suffer from hypogonadism (insufficient amount of male hormones). Specialists discovered that men had bigger sexual interest and sudden erections more often. But testosterone therapy may have nothing to do with enhanced condition in ED patients. There can be other things that bring to this enhancement.
But not only sexual function is improved with low testosterone therapy. Patients can take advantage of this therapy. They remove depression, tiredness, bad mood, confusion. Research reveals that testosterone treatment is good for bone mineral density.
There are different forms of testosterone replacement: injections, gels, patches and oral remedies. All these products have become quite popular in the last 10 years.
Testosterone pills: to buy or not to buy?
Any person is free to acquire testosterone pills, but it is not advised to do it. Fast metabolism makes intake of testosterone pills useless if you apply this medication form for your therapy. For this reason, it is impossible to get benefit from pills therapy. It also brings harm to health as liver becomes affected in this way. Benign or malignant tumor can develop.
The formula of testosterone undecanoate applied in Europe is not so toxic for patients. Now this option is actively studied in the USA.
Many patients prefer to use testosterone patches instead of injections because it is more convenient. It is easy to care about the appropriate level of testosterone applying them. They are more expensive than injections. Transdermal introduction of medication is possible in two ways. The patch can be applied to the scrotum or the skin. When gel is used it is rubbed into the skin. Using these methods the person can get testosterone on a long term basis. Skin becomes a vessel for male hormone. It releases testosterone into the bloodstream gradually.
Androderm is a skin patch that should be used every day in the evening. The person should apply it to the following spots: thighs, abdomen, back and upper arms. Its use helps to sustain normal level of serum testosterone, imitating the daily release of testosterone. Such scheme is usual for natural release. The person gets high level of testosterone in the morning while the evening level of testosterone is lower.
When testosterone is applied to the scrotum the level of absorption is higher. Non-scrotal skin features bigger resistance. Testoderm is one of the patches of non-adhesive type. Apply it on a daily basis in the morning. The scrotum should be shaved before use. Testoderm imitates the way real testosterone works.
Other examples include such patches as Androgel and Testim. It is convenient to use them to the abdomen, upper arms and shoulders. The testosterone is the same round the clock. Wash your hands right after the application of testosterone not to transfer it. Patients should take shower prior to sexual intercourse and wear clothes that cover the places where this patch is applied.
The frequency of blood tests for patients with patch or gel use
In accordance with recommendations of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists patients who obtain testosterone treatment should be monitored 3-4 times a year. Physicians advise to visit doctor after a month of treatment to make sure that the therapy is right. Otherwise, the dose can be increased or decreased depending upon the result.
Time when testosterone should be measured depends upon the method of delivery. The highest serum testosterone is observed 4-8 hours after testosterone patch is applied. It does not matter when to measure testosterone when gel is applied.
There are following recommendations for patients who undergo testosterone replacement:
- They should have PSA assessment and digital rectal examination to learn about the effects that the therapy produces on the prostate
- Assessment of hematocrit and hemoglobin levels can be important too. Red blood cells should be periodically measured
What are the risks of using testosterone?
Testosterone therapy does not have severe side effects as a rule though everything is individual. Widespread adverse effects observed include the following ones
- Itching of skin, irritated skin on the place of the patch application. Application of gel cause less side effects.
- Gynecomastia can develop as a result of testosterone treatment. The breast is tender and swollen with this condition.
Testosterone replacement can be connected with sleep apnea. Besides, testosterone therapy can decrease the sperm counts. The testicular size decreases. This therapy is not advised for men who worry about fertility.