| Summary: | The present study was carried out to determine the effect of testosterone therapy on Erectile dysfunction (ED) patients with normal and low testosterone levels.
One hundred men attending the urology clinic for erectile dysfunction, in whom no obvious organic cause of ED was found, and in whom cancer of the prostate had been ruled out, were the subjects of this study. After a full history and clinical examination, male hormonal profile was done with particular emphasis on serum testosterone level. The patients were grouped into two, Group A comprised those with normal serum testosterone levels (3-10 ng/ml) and Group B those with low serum testosterone (<3 ng/ml). All the patients had three injections of 250 mg sustanon at 3 weekly intervals. Twelve weeks after the commencement of testosterone therapy, a repeat serum hormonal profile was done and the patient re-assessed for libido and potency.
Out of the 100 men studied, 30 were above 50 years of age while the rest were below. There were 78 men in group A and 22 in group B. All patients had normal LH, FSH and prolactin levels.
Twelve weeks after the onset of sustanon therapy, all the patients showed normal serum testosterone levels, with those in group B maintaining normal LH, FSH and prolactin levels. However, in group A,. 82.1% had marked reduction of LH and FSH levels though showing no obvious change in prolactin levels. In group B, libido was improved from initial 63.6% to 86.4% while potency was improved in 54.5%. In group A, libido was improved from the initial 79.5% to 82.1% while potency was improved in 11.5%.
In the present study group, testosterone therapy improved both libido and potency in a good number Of ED patients with low serum testosterone levels. It was not particularly useful in ED patients with normal testosterone levels. Routine administration of testosterone to all ED patients should be discouraged. If it has to be administered, prior testosterone assay should be carried out.
|
|---|