Androgen deficiency in the etiology and treatment of erectile dysfunction.
The evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction (ED) has evolved dramatically following the introduction of oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Despite the limited role of directed diagnostic testing in the evaluation of the impotent patient, routine de-termination of a serum testosterone likely is indicated based on evidence that testosterone modulates erectile function, that hypogonadism is prevalent among elderly men and men with ED, and that symptomatology alone rarely detects hypogonadism. Forms of testosterone commonly used include oral, parenteral, transdermal, and implantable preparations, each with significant advantages and disadvantages. The risks and benefits of testosterone supplementation have been characterized incompletely and will require further validation before widespread use of testosterone as hormone replacement therapy in aging men.
Gore
John L
JL
Department of Urology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, CHS Rm 66-124, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1738, USA. jgore@mednet.ucla.edu
Swerdloff
Ronald S
RS
Rajfer
Jacob
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D000728:Androgens / Q000172:deficiency*; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012306:Risk; D013739:Testosterone / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone