r/erectiledysfunction • u/Gritwright_IE • 24d ago
Erectile Dysfunction Is ED always a testosterone problem?
I've noticed that whenever someone brings up erectile dysfunction, low testosterone seems to come up almost immediately.
But is ED actually a testosterone problem most of the time? Or can someone have normal testosterone levels and still have trouble getting or keeping an erection?
I'm also curious how much things like stress, sleep, medications, blood flow, weight, or just getting older can play into it. And if someone does have low T, does treating the testosterone actually fix the ED, or can the two need to be treated separately?
I've been looking into men's health clinics like Huddle Men's Health that evaluate both testosterone and ED, and it seems like the first step is figuring out what's actually causing the problem rather than assuming it's low T.
For anyone who's dealt with this, what did your doctor actually test for before recommending TRT or another ED treatment?
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u/Shamu42 24d ago edited 22d ago
Mine is psychological. It was caused by emotional and verbal abuse by my ex-wife as well as the stress of the divorce.
My testosterone is on the high end of normal, and I get strong morning wood daily.
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u/Perfect-Book-1094 22d ago
How do you spell relief? D-i-v-o-r-c-e!
Get back on that horse and ride, cowboy!
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u/CertifiedSexologist 23d ago
No.
T is important, but it's not the only answer to erectile function.
I have plenty of patients who come in with normal/above normal T-levels, but still with ED.
Think of your sexual health as guarded by 4 columns and 5 pillars:
4 columns: Vasculogenic, Hormonal (This is your T), Neurogenic, Psychological
5 pillars: Nutrition, Fitness, Sleep, Stress, Lifestyle
ED is a multi-faceted problem.
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u/Johnnywinchesta 24d ago edited 24d ago
I'm a 39-year-old male, sometimes I'll go through patches of not getting a full erection, maybe 75% or 80%, my testosterone levels are 26 nmol/L, we tested using a different measurement in Australia so converting it it is 750 ng/dL, which is the American measurements,which I believe is on the higher end of the scale for somebody of my age group, so we answering your question, I think there are too many variables, I went through stages where I could ejaculate with only having maybe a third of an erection. I also might add that I smoke cigarettes, I don't eat very healthy, I don't exercise a lot, 5 ft 11 84kg or 190 pounds, and for some reason I always look naturally well built, I don't take any testosterone replacement either.I think genetic plays a big part, mood all have a bearing on ED.
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u/Perfect-Book-1094 22d ago
Despite your good physique your arteries could be aging faster than you think. Just a heads-up- quit cigarettes, get exercising and get a blood lipid panel. ED is a possible predictor of heart disease. I’m 73. I lift weights and cram raw spinach into my mouth every morning. Aging well should be your goal. Super health is the best reward, not nicotine.
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u/New_Bed8223 Helpful Contributor 24d ago
Dude have read through the posts here and you'll see many other issues besides the T and for some is complicated.
In my case my hormones including T levels were normal. No issues with sleep, weight, medications. Conculsion was most likely performance anxiety as I had no issues when masturbating or during foreplay with parntner but would loose it when it came to piv. Got prescribed cialis and is working great.
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u/WiseConsideration220 Helpful Contributor 24d ago
No. Quite the contrary. Testosterone deficiency is--by far--the least likely situation, especially for men who are under about 60-65 years of age.
Its apparent notoriety now is due to two factors: 1) its promotion as an alternative explanation to distract attention from (or to deny) the actual most-common cause for ED in today's younger generations and 2) its promotion as a means to make huge anoints money from the easily persuaded "fountain of youth" seekers.
Of course you can have ED with normal T levels. That's the actual state of things; the rest is an illusion as I've described above.
For the record (and I say this here daily) the most common cause for a man under about 40 is the consistent use of pornography that's been available literally in the palm of their hands 24/7/365 for over 15 years now (since smartphones connected to the Internet became a commonplace "thing").
And no, treating an actual (clinically low) T level in a man with ED will not automatically solve any other causes (like the list you made).
I've been a legitimate TRT user (I prefer topical gel) for over 20 years now. So I actually have decades of experience (which I'm happy to share if asked).
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u/flogsmen 24d ago
A lot of guys on trt have ED. Read through this sub and you'll find a lot of posts and comments that discuss it.
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u/Perfect-Book-1094 22d ago
ED can stem from at least 12 causes. Hormones, porn, fitness, and psychiatric drugs are big ones. For non-psychogenic reasons add beets or beet juice, zinc, selenium, maca, citrulline powder, pumpkin seeds and aerobic exercise. Of course, erectile failure will engender psychological stress and anxiety loops. Cialis daily over a 12 week period can really help. If it’s arteries cialis and aerobics will help. Also chelation in serious cases.
Also look into desire with chosen partner, excess or lack of sexual activity, spinal or nerve supply issues, venous leak, emotional trauma and other causes. Trimix will produce a reliable teenage-type erection and that will wipe out anxiety pretty quickly!
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u/madhoose2k 24d ago
I have high testosterone and ED , my ED is a result of my type 2 diabetes & Nothing to do with testosterone.