Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. ED can be caused by various conditions, including atherosclerosis and diabetes. Erectile dysfunction can also be caused by low testosterone levels, which is referred to as hypogonadism-related erectile dysfunction (HR-ED). Men with HR-ED often have other signs of low testosterone, including decreased sex drive and decreased body hair growth (hypogonadism).
The connection between ED and low testosterone is well-documented. For example, one study found that men with ED were nearly twice as likely to have low testosterone levels as men who didn’t report ED. The same research also found that decline rates in testosterone were much more significant in men with ED than in those without it.
