In my previous post, I talked about how you can recognize having low testosterone levels. For most men, if you’ve reached a certain age, your levels have already dropped whether or not you are already exhibiting the signs.
One of the indicators that was listed in that post was erectile dysfunction (ED). Some people seem to think that it is a myth that testosterone levels play a part in ED. So which is it – myth or fact?
Does ED Come From Low Testosterone?
Not to be non-committal, but the answer to the above question is yes and no.
Yes, having a lower than normal level of testosterone can be a driving factor in having dysfunction in the bedroom. However, it is not the only cause.
While gaining an erection is dependent on testosterone, according to WebMD, the relationship between t-levels and sexual function is very complex and still not fully understood. You could have low testosterone levels and still not have healthy erections. Vice versa, you could have healthy erections in spite of having low t-levels. One thing that is understood, however, is that having low testosterone is linked to a number of chronic conditions that also play a part in ED (like obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes).
What Are the Other Factors?
As mentioned above, subpar t-levels is not the only driving force behind having ED. In addition to a lack of this hormone, ED is primarily caused by a reduction of blood flow to the penis as a result of chronic conditions. These include hypertension (high blood pressure), hardening of the arteries, and high cholesterol. Furthermore, spinal cord injuries, chronic back pain, multiple sclerosis, and other neurological conditions can be a factor.
Beyond the physical causes for ED, there are also mental and emotional issues that can play a role. Depression, anxiety, and issues in the relationship can affect sexual performance.
What to Do
If you are suffering from ED, you need to find the root cause (or causes) that is leading to this condition. Depression, anxiety, or issues in the relationship should be very easy to spot (though, depending on the severity, may be tougher to remedy).
If you have ruled that out, take a look at the other physical risk factors listed above. Are you overweight? Is it causing you heart problems or blood pressure issues? If so, it is time to take a hard look at your diet. It’s time to make lifestyle changes to get back to better health.
Lastly, if the other factors have been eliminated, go to your doctor for a blood test. There you will get your levels checked. If you find that you are low on testosterone, that is easy to fix. I review many of the top testosterone boosters on the market here, and there is such a variety that there is a product suitable for everybody’s lifestyle. If you are looking for my top recommendations, I highly suggest taking a look at the top three options I review below:
About Shaun Hudson
Shaun Hudson loves sports, being outdoors, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. After many unsuccessful attempts to lose weight, he finally was able to drop 25 pounds and keep it off. The secret? He kept a journal of his activity, diet, and daily life. That journal changed his life, and has since evolved into this website. Read his full bio.