title: Testosterone replacement therapy and the internet: an assessment of providers' health-related web site information content.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare how providers of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in large metropolitan cities promote androgen replacement on their patient-oriented Web sites.
  
  
  METHODS
  TRT provider Web sites were identified using Google search and the terms "Testosterone replacement" and the name of the 5 most populous US cities. These Web sites were assessed for (1) type or specialty of medical provider, (2) discussion of the benefits and risks of TRT, and (3) industry affiliations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 75 Web sites were evaluated. Twenty-seven of the 75 clinics (36%) were directed by nonphysicians, 35 (47%) were overseen by nonurology or nonendocrine physicians, and only 13 (17%) were specialist managed. Fourteen of 75 (18.6%) Web sites disclosed industry relationships. Ninety-five percent of Web sites promoted the benefits of TRT including improved sex drive, cognitive improvement, increased muscle strength, and/or improved energy. Only 20 of 75 Web sites (26.6%) described any side effect of TRT. Web sites directed by specialists were twice as likely to discuss risks of TRT compared with nonspecialist providers (41% vs 20%; odds ratio = 2.77; P <.01). Nine of 75 (12%) of all Web sites actually refuted that TRT was associated with significant side effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Urologists and endocrinologists are in the minority of providers promoting TRT on the Internet. Specialists are more likely to discuss risks associated with TRT although the majority of surveyed Web sites that promote TRT do not mention treatment risks. There is substantial variability in quality and quantity of information on provider Web sites, which may contribute to misinformation regarding this prevalent health issue.
authors: Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
authors: Daniel T
authors: DT
authors: Oberlin
authors: Division of Urology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
authors: Puneet
authors: P
authors: Masson
authors: Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL. Electronic address: rebrannigan@gmail.com.
authors: Robert E
authors: RE
authors: Brannigan
mesh_terms: D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration; D003142:Communication; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000592:standards*; D004345:Drug Industry; D004704:Endocrinology / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008389:Marketing of Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D057386:Search Engine; D013739:Testosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019037:Urban Health Services; D014572:Urology / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D013739:Testosterone