Is there any relation between serum levels of total testosterone and the severity of erectile dysfunction?

Abstract

The objective of this study was to correlate the severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) with the total testosterone serum levels (TT) in a normal population. During a screening program for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer, 1071 men aged from 40 to 90 y, were invited to answer the questionnaire of the Simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) as a method to diagnose and classify ED. The IIEF-5 scores ranged from 1 to 25 and the ED was classified into five groups according to the scores: severe (1 -7), moderate (8 -11), mild -moderate (12 -16), mild (17 -21) and no . Besides the questionnaire, all subjects had their TT serum levels determined based on the blood sample obtained between 08:00 and 10:00. The analysis of the relationship between the different degrees of ED and TT levels was then studied. Of the 1071 men, 965 were included in the study (90.1%). Eighty-eight percent of these were Caucasian and 12% black. The mean age of the population was 60.7 y. The prevalence of all degrees of ED was 53.9%. The degree of ED was mild in 21.5%, mild to moderate in 14.3%, moderate in 6.3% and severe in 11.9%. The variation of TT serum concentrations was similar (P > 0.05) in the different age groups. Furthermore, the TT serum levels were not different for individuals with and without ED (P > 0.05) and similar concentrations of TT was observed in the different severity degrees of ED (P > 0.05). Only one (0.7%) man in the group of individual with maximal score had subnormal levels of TT. ED presented a clear association with the subjects' aging, but neither correlation between TT levels and ED, nor with its severity, could be demonstrated in the present study.

Does regular consumption of green tea influence expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor in aged rat erectile tissue? Possible implications for vasculogenic erectile dysfunction progression

“…The exact action of the androgens in sexual function is unclear but it is known that testosterone controls male gonad development and enhances libido. However, there is no conclusive evidence for a causal relationship between altered levels of testosterone and erectile dysfunction (Nickel et al 1984;Tenover 1992;Fahmy et al 1999) and in fact, reduced serum testosterone levels does not impede normal erectile function (Rhoden et al 2002). Interestingly, we did not find significant variation in plasma lipids in catechin-fed animals when Fig.…”

Aging and pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction

“…41 Recent findings suggest a possible role of the adipocytesecreted hormone leptin, which increases with fat mass, 42 in this phenomenon. [43][44][45][46] Although it is generally assumed that testosterone enhances libido and frequency of sexual acts (see in Tenover 13 for review), recent studies 16,17 did not show any relationship between testosterone levels and ED prevalence and severity. In accordance with these latter studies, we did not find any correlation between testosterone levels and the severity of ED.…”

“…[13][14][15] Although this phenomenon is correlated with age-dependent decrease of libido, its contribution to ED does not seem to be crucial. 16,17 Furthermore, many chronic degenerative neurological disease such Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease could contribute to the increase of ED with age. 2 Among psychological factors, the association of aging and depression is controversial.…”

The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM): a 5-year review of research and clinical experience

“…Patients with a score of 21 or less may have evidence of ED, and are encouraged to consult a physician for further evaluation and possible treatment of their condition. Among men in a stable relationship (ie men who had an opportunity for sexual activity), classification of ED is partitioned into five severity grades: no ED (SHIM total score, 22-25), mild (17)(18)(19)(20)(21), mild to moderate (12)(13)(14)(15)(16), moderate (8)(9)(10)(11), and severe ED (1-7).…”