Testosterone First?
Before Viagra even arrived on the scene in 1998 and changed the world of treatment options for erectile dysfunction (ED), testosterone was an effective medical therapy for it. However, getting more of this hormone isn’t a total solution for ED.
Some men with erectile difficulties have quite normal amounts of testosterone. Many doctors won’t consider ordering testosterone unless particular other signs are also found, such as the reduced desire for libido and exhaustion. On the other hand, increasing testosterone doesn’t continually improve erections; it is just an opportunity on the table for men with low testosterone.
Current ED Pills
The current ED pills belong to a class of drugs known as PDE-5 inhibitors. They improve blood flow to the wet tissues in the penis, which produces an erection. Several opponents have since jumped into this lucrative market: tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra).
Today, one of these medications is usually the first approach a primary care doctor prescribes for erectile complaints—not testosterone. That is because they tend to work more probably than testosterone, and the reaction is usually quicker. But like testosterone, they don’t work for about 40% of men who try one.
Questionable Combination
Men with ED who also test low for testosterone may be given a hormone boost, frequently in the form of a rub-on gel used daily, in addition to an ED drug. Does this make a variety?
Adding testosterone to Viagra did not make a distinction. Erections, desire for libido, and sexual activity were the same in both cases.
The researchers consider that Viagra may supercharge the method that creates erections beyond the point at which testosterone could figure anything more. In other words, for these men, Viagra operated so well that there was limited room for growth and overall improvement. Once a person has a good erection, how are you going to make him do great on the overall amount of testosterone?
A Logical Approach
More and more, erectile dysfunction is remaining viewed as a systemic therapeutic problem. In some studies, ED is like the canary in a coal mine for a later heart attack. That’s because ED is often due to atherosclerosis—the same artery-clogging condition that usually leads to heart attacks and strokes. So, it should be addressed more systematically than just beginning with a simple ED drug.
If a man sees he is having trouble getting or maintaining an erection, and other things in his life are almost stable, then a consultation with a doctor is in order. A blood test for testosterone is an extraordinary next step. If the testosterone level is way low compared to the norm, then trying testosterone replacement makes a lot of sense. If that doesn’t raise erections, then it’s the right time to try an ed therapy or apply for scientific novelties, such as Gainswave shockwave therapy.
Dr. Kate Kass for Help
Dr. Kate Kass is an experienced physician in the state of Washington who helps men facing issues around their sexual performance. She works with a broad range of severe and chronic diseases, specializing in the overall men’s and women’s hormone health, andropause, bioidentical hormones and hormone pellets, sexual health, including erectile dysfunction treatment and regenerative medicine. She understands that there is no “one-size-fits-all” formula and that a patient’s list of symptoms, genetics, and environmental factors should control the treatment. She and her team are ready and fully equipped to help men regain confidence and happiness in their private lives.
