Unraveling the Effects of Testosterone on Male Sexual Function
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, plays a vital role in male sexual health. Recent research published in Translational Andrology and Urology has shed light on the impact of testosterone, particularly in the context of anabolic steroid use, on male sexual function. This blog explores the key findings, demographics, and implications of high-dose testosterone therapy, as well as the role of post-cycle therapy in restoring sexual well-being. Join us as we delve into this intriguing topic and uncover the complex relationship between testosterone and male sexual function.Reasearch findings
Usage of testosterone can have a protective effect on the sexual function of men while they are undergoing treatment. However, issues such as a decrease in libido and erectile dysfunction are more likely to occur after discontinuing the therapy, particularly among those who frequently use anabolic steroids or have been using them for an extended period. This conclusion was reached by American specialists whose study was published in the journal Translational Andrology and Urology.The researchers conducted an online survey among men who take anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS). Participants were asked to provide their demographic information, answer questions about their use of AAS and supplementary medications, and describe any symptoms related to changes in their testosterone levels during the start and end of the therapy. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to assess the participants' sexual health.
Out of the total 321 participants, 90 did not meet the inclusion criteria, resulting in a study cohort of 231 AAS users.
The majority of participants were of European descent (85%), employed (62%), and under 35 years old (58%). Among them, 47% were single, while 46% were married.
According to the study findings, the average score on the IIEF questionnaire was 22.5. Higher scores were associated with the use of higher testosterone doses (over 600 mg/week), the use of 17-alpha-alkylated steroids or anti-estrogens, and the absence of other medical conditions. Lower scores were linked to symptoms of decreased testosterone levels (reported during or before AAS therapy), self-perceived aggression and tendency for violence, self-reported erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, reduced activity, and depression. Even after adjusting for age, symptoms of decreased testosterone levels and reduced activity remained significantly correlated with lower IIEF scores.
Among the 127 men who reported experiencing decreased libido without using AAS, this symptom was found to be correlated with the frequency and duration of testosterone use, as well as the use of additional therapy. In such cases, post-cycle therapy helped these patients restore their sexual health.
Moreover, men who reported other symptoms after discontinuing testosterone (such as reduced activity, libido, muscle mass, and depression) were more likely to also report erectile dysfunction. These individuals typically indicated long-term steroid use (over 10 years or more than 40 weeks per year) in the survey.
The researchers concluded that the long-term effects of high doses of AAS on sexual function remain insufficiently studied and require more attention from specialists. They also emphasized the importance of conducting further long-term studies on the impact of discontinuing steroid medications on sexual health, taking into account the results obtained in this study.
Conclusion
In conclusion, recent research in Translational Andrology and Urology examined the effects of testosterone on male sexual function, particularly in the context of anabolic steroid use. The study revealed that high-dose testosterone therapy can protect sexual function during treatment, but issues like decreased libido and erectile dysfunction are more likely to occur after discontinuing the therapy, especially among frequent and long-term steroid users. Factors such as dosage, specific steroids, and existing medical conditions were associated with varying levels of sexual health. Post-cycle therapy showed promise in restoring sexual well-being for men experiencing decreased libido. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and optimize strategies for male sexual health.
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Reference:
Armstrong, J. M., Avant, R. A., Charchenko, C. M., Westerman, M. E., Ziegelmann, M. J., Miest, T. S., & Trost, L. W. (2018). Impact of anabolic androgenic steroids on sexual function. Translational Andrology and Urology, 7(3), 483–489. doi: 10.21037/tau.2018.04.23
Full research can be found at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043738/