Does low testosterone cause ED

Absolutely - testosterone is not only necessary to keep up the sex drive, it is also needed to maintain an erection.

Like all hormones, blood testosterone levels fluctuate and what causes symptoms for one man, may not be noticed by another. As a rule levels below 250 NGs/deciliter are considered low, and levels of above 350 NGs/deciliter are considered normal.

The use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is limited to men with symptoms of erectile dysfunction and a testosterone level of less than 200 nanogram per deciliter - due to adverse reactions in TRT that include: skin and tissue irritation, prostate enlargement, breast tissue enlargement, aggravation of breast and prostate cancers, depression, elevation of red blood cell count and a worsening of CHF.

Men who have breast and/or prostate cancers should not use testosterone because testosterone can aggravate these cancers. Men over 40 should have a breast exam, digital prostate exam and a PSA level (prostate specific antigen) blood test, before starting testosterone treatment.

Because lower testosterone is a natural part of aging, when ED is diagnosed, doctors should also rule out a litany of other contributing factors such as cardiovascular disease, Diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, drug & alcohol use and depression. There are a variety of medications that can also cause ED.