Male UltraCore Blog

Many people who have problems with their sex drives have a low quality of life. Whatever the cause of their low sexual arousal is, they fail to perform in the bedroom, leaving themselves and their partners disappointed and frustrated. While it is not necessarily a cause for concern if it only happens from time to time, frequent and ongoing occurrence has to be addressed as soon as possible.

To keep your sex drive up, you should be ready to change your lifestyle, get rid of your bad habits, and live healthy. The following are natural methods that you can do to have high sex drive:

1. Eat a Health and Balanced Diet

The kinds of food that you eat are crucial to your sex drive and overall health. There are certain foods that contain essential vitamins and minerals that can promote good blood circulation and cardiovascular health, improving various aspects of your sexual function.

Examples of foods that can boost your sex drive are:

Avocados

These are loaded with vitamin B6 and folic acid, which are essential nutrients that can raise your libido by upping your energy levels and facilitating hormone production. They also contain fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, lowering your risk of high cholesterol, heart attack, and stroke.

Coffee

This helps in improving blood circulation and blood flow to the extremities, including the penis. According to a study, men who drink up to three cups of coffee a day are less likely to develop erectile issues, such as low sex drive and erectile dysfunction, than men who do not drink coffee.

Bananas

These are overflowing with potassium, which is an essential nutrient vital to heart health. They can help in the management of blood pressure levels, lowering the risk of cardiovascular complications and boosting testosterone production, sperm count, and libido.

Salmon

This contains high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids, which are substances beneficial to the heart. It can protect you against heart problems, and improve your blood circulation. It can also enhance your mood and brain function.

Potatoes

These are excellent sources of potassium, a nutrient that aids in various cardiovascular functions. They can allow smooth and unobstructed blood flow to your penis, helping you get aroused and achieve erections without any problems. They can also give you vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber, which can protect you against high blood pressure, high cholesterol, digestive problems, and other diseases.

2. Get Regular Exercise

There are many benefits to exercising on a regular basis. It can lower your risk of various diseases, such as heart attack, stroke, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It can also boost your brain function, immunity, and metabolism. Another important benefit of regular exercise that not a lot of people may know is it can boost testosterone production, which helps in increasing sex drive or libido and producing more good quality sperm.

Examples of exercise that can help raise your sex drive are:

Push-ups

These work your core and upper body, building you greater strength, endurance, and stamina. They can be performed at home or at the gym, without needing any sort of equipment. To do a push-up, lower your body to the ground, with your hands placed under your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart. Slowly push your chest up and then lower your chest down using your arms. Repeat until you get to 20 or more, depending on your fitness level.

Planks

These are one of the most effective routines to enhance your sexual function. They can be done anytime and anywhere, and do not require any gym equipment. To do a plank, lower your body to the ground, like doing a push-up position. Slowly raise your upper body using your arms. Once your arms are fully extended and perpendicular to the ground, hold that position for as long as you can. People who are in good shape should not have any trouble holding a plank for 120 seconds.

High-intensity interval training

This is a type of exercise that alternates shorts periods of high intensity exercise and recovery periods. It can boost blood flow to your extremities, including your penis, resulting to increased testosterone levels and sex drive. To do it, start with a five-minute brisk walk as a warm-up. Then, run for one minute, and then slow to a walk or a jog for one minute. Repeat for about 10 minutes.

3. Manage Your Stress

If you are always stressed, you are at great risk of low sex drive. Whether it is caused by work, family, finances, or relationships, it can profoundly diminish your sexual desire and can eventually leave you with an inactive sex life.

It is important that you do not let stress take over your life. You have to find ways to manage it well to be able to still enjoy life. Here are some things that you can do:

• Get enough sleep
• Make time for your interests and hobbies
• See a therapist
• Eat a nutritious and balanced diet
• Be more physically active
• Spend time with your family and friends

4. Take Good Care of Your Mental Health

Sometimes, low sex drive is caused by poor mental health. If you have depression, anxiety, or some other mental health issue, it is for your own benefit that you go see a therapist as soon as possible.

For sexual health concerns, you should find a sex therapist that can you can work with to help you overcome your problems. They should be able to provide counseling on your views and opinion on sex, self-esteem issues, communication problems or conflicts with your sex partners, performance anxiety, and other things.

5. Testosterone Replacement Therapy

Testosterone and sex drive have a direct relationship with each other. If testosterone levels fall below the normal range, sex drive also declines.

To treat the problem, doctors usually prescribe testosterone replacement therapy. This treatment method can be administered in different ways, such as:

• Testosterone injections
• Skin patches
• Gels
• Pellets

Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve and keep an erection for sex. If you are having difficulties with your erection once in a while, it is not really something that should be worried so much about. However, if the problem occurs frequently and is an ongoing event, and has caused a ton of stress, anxiety, and relationship conflicts, it has to be addressed as soon as possible. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes also be a sign of some underlying health condition that requires immediate treatment.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

The inability to get and keep an erection can be caused by physical issues, psychological issues, or both. In men, sex drive or libido is influenced by the brain, emotions, hormones, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and even mental health. If any of these is not working right, sexual arousal may be negatively impacted, leading to erectile dysfunction and other sexual health concerns.

Some common causes of erectile dysfunction are as follows:

Stress

If you are stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. As a result, your testosterone levels go down, and you experience a decline in libido, making erections difficult to achieve and sustain.

Alcoholism

If you drink too much alcohol, you are not only causing damage to your liver, heart, brain, and other vital organs, but also to your sexual and reproductive system. The compounds contained in alcohol can impair your testosterone production, lower your sperm count, and give you trouble with your erections.

Drug abuse

If you use recreational, illegal, or prohibited drugs, you are increasing your risk of cardiovascular and brain problems, as well as sexual health issues, including erectile dysfunction, low testosterone, and infertility.

High blood pressure

If you have high blood pressure, meaning the force of the blood flowing through your blood vessels are too high, your odds of suffering from a heart attack, stroke, and other diseases are high. You are also prone to having erectile issues and other sexual health concerns.

High cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, meaning there is too much fat in your body, you are a prime victim for clogged arteries, heart attack, stroke, and other complications. You also have a high risk of erectile dysfunction.

Other diseases that can potentially cause erectile dysfunction are multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Peyronie’s disease, metabolic syndrome, and prostate cancer.

What are the risk factors of erectile dysfunction?

Any man can get erectile dysfunction, but some are more likely to be affected by it due to certain risk factors, such as:

• Being overweight or obese – Packing extra weight or fat is not good for the heart, brain, kidneys, and others, as well as sexual health.
• Injuries – Injuries that cause damage to the arteries or nerves in and around the penis that can disrupt blood flow can lead to erectile dysfunction.
• Prescription medications – Some prescription medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants, may contain substances that can negatively affect your erections.
• Mental health – Having depression or anxiety may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
• Medical treatments – Certain treatment methods, such as radiation therapy for prostate or testicular cancer, may cause damage to the nerves and result to erectile issues.

What foods can you eat to help treat erectile dysfunction?

What you eat is vital to your sexual health. There are foods that contain essential nutrients that can immensely improve your erectile function and give you many satisfying moments in the bedroom. The next time you go grocery shopping, make sure to get the following:

Spinach

Spinach is a green, leafy vegetable loaded with magnesium, a nutrient that can reduce inflammation in the blood vessels and enhance blood circulation. With better blood flow, more blood is driven to your penis, increasing your sexual arousal and helping you get and sustain firm and long-lasting erections.

Bananas

Bananas are overflowing with potassium, which is an essential nutrient that helps keep your heart healthy and strong. With a heart that is in excellent condition, blood circulation in the body is improved and blood flow to the extremities, including the penis, is also increased.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a great source of L-citrulline, which is a type of amino acid that can help improve sexual health. Once L-citrulline finds its way inside the body, it is converted to L-arginine, a compound that facilitates the production of more nitric oxide, resulting to increased blood flow to the penis. With more blood reaching the penis, your erections will become firmer and longer lasting.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are known for their high antioxidant concentrations, which help in reducing heart disease, cancer, and other health problems. If you eat at least 10 servings of tomatoes a week, you can lower your risk of prostate cancer by as much as 18%. You can also boost your sperm count, sperm quality, and erections for greater sexual pleasure.

Ginger

Ginger contains loads of essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium, folate, and vitamin B6, which are all vital to heart health and sexual function. A study found that intake of even just a teaspoon of ginger three or four times a week can boost testosterone levels, increase libido or sex drive, and strengthen erections.

Green tea

Green tea is a nutritious drink that can supply your body with high levels of a compound known as catechins, which can help in your metabolism, fat burning, and blood circulation. Regular consumption of green tea can eliminate free radicals that harm your blood vessels, resulting to improved blood flow to your penis and other body parts.

Cherries

Cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which are essential for keeping your arteries clean and clear, removing plaques and other deposits that can disrupt blood circulation. They can help lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health problems. Moreover, if blood can flow freely to your penis, you should not have trouble getting erections.

When your body’s ability to produce sperm or testosterone is impaired, that condition is generally referred to as hypogonadism. It can affect males of all ages, even infants. However, when the condition manifests in your advanced years, the condition is then referred to as late-onset hypogonadism.

Whether you’re still young or already an elderly adult, hypogonadism in all its forms and variations can negatively impact your sex life, as well as your fertility. Continue reading to learn about how your sex life can be ruined by hypogonadism.

How is Hypogonadism Diagnosed?

For a clinical diagnosis of hypogonadism, certain characteristic signs and symptoms must accompany reduced testosterone levels. According to the International Society for the Study of Aging Male, there are several physical, cognitive, and sexual symptoms associated with hypogonadism.

Among the physical symptoms of hypogonadism, some of the most common include anemia, reduced energy, loss of body hair, reduced endurance, fatigue, obesity, reduced lean muscle mass, and diminished physical performance.

Cognitive symptoms of hypogonadism, on the one hand, include irritability, reduced motivation, depressive symptoms, poor memory, as well as poor concentration. Cognitive dysfunction may also be present.

How Hypogonadism Affects Your Sex Life

Even if we don’t consider the sexual symptoms related to hypogonadism, one can already imagine how your sex life would suffer just by looking at the physical and cognitive symptoms of hypogonadism.

You constantly feel drained of energy and fatigued. You feel depressed and irritable. You can’t concentrate well, and you don’t feel motivated. When you’re dealing with all of these symptoms, it would be quite difficult to summon any desire for sex, which would explain why men with hypogonadism often have a reduced sex drive.

Sexual symptoms of hypogonadism include less frequent morning erections, erectile dysfunction, low libido, reduced orgasm intensity, and other orgasm problems, as well as a decrease in sexual thoughts and fantasies.

Each of the sexual symptoms linked with hypogonadism can negatively affect your sex life, even if you don’t experience all of these symptoms. Of course, erectile dysfunction would make it difficult for you to engage in penetrative sexual intercourse, and orgasm problems would make your sexual experience less satisfying.

What’s even more problematic is that hypogonadism also affects your fertility. A diminished ability to produce sperm is actually one of the signs of hypogonadism as well. And if your serum total concentration of testosterone is low, it means that whatever sperm you produce doesn’t get enough nourishment.

That’s because your growing spermatozoa are actually physically supported and nourished by your Sertoli cells in your testicles. And your Sertoli cells need testosterone in order to perform these functions. This helps explain why hypogonadic men often have very low sperm counts. And sometimes, they don’t produce any live sperm at all.

Natural Ways to Treat Hypogonadism

The American Association of Urology generally refers to 300 ng/dL as the cut-off for diagnosing low testosterone levels. If your total testosterone concentration is below that level, and you’re experiencing one or more symptoms of hypogonadism, then you should try to naturally boost your testosterone levels if you’re not ready for hormone therapy yet.

In truth, there are some risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy, which is why doctors typically recommend it for those who are clinically diagnosed with hypogonadism.

The human body actually makes use of a complex feedback mechanism to regulate hormone production. When you undergo testosterone replacement therapy, you’re basically introducing externally produced testosterone into your body. However, your body won’t know that you got your testosterone from an external source.

What your hormonal feedback mechanism will notice is that your testosterone levels are high, so it will limit your internal testosterone production. When your testicular cells are no longer producing testosterone, they will atrophy and die. In fact, testicular shrinkage due to atrophied testicular cells is actually common among men on long-term hormone therapy.

This is why you should consider natural testosterone boosters since such herb-based solutions promote internal production of testosterone. Among the numerous herbs that are known to help men with low testosterone levels, some of the most effective include Tongkat Ali, fenugreek, and Tribulus terrestris.

These herbs are particularly helpful if your goal is to improve your sexual performance and not just increase your testosterone levels. Tongkat Ali, in particular, is extremely beneficial for those who have low testosterone production rates.

In a 2012 study, for example, researchers tested whether Tongkat Ali would be helpful for aging men suffering from late-onset hypogonadism. A total of 76 men participated in the study, and they took 200 mg of Tongkat Ali every day for a month. After the treatment period, more than 90% of the participants showed normal testosterone levels.

On top of raising testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism, Tongkat Ali is also excellent for enhancing erectile function. Several recent studies have noted that Tongkat Ali or Eurycoma longifolia Jack, as it is referred to scientifically, shows evidence of being effective in treating male sexual disorders, particularly erectile dysfunction.

While Tongkat Ali directly influences testicular production of testosterone, fenugreek, on the one hand, helps protect the testosterone that you produce from being converted into other hormones.

As an aromatase inhibitor, fenugreek is best taken in combination with testosterone production enhancers such as Tongkat Ali, Tribulus terrestris, or Horny Goat Weed. Ashwagandha and zinc are also particularly helpful in improving testosterone levels.

If you’re already deficient in testosterone, you can’t afford to be deficient in zinc as well. This important mineral is actually needed not only for synthesizing your primary male sex hormone, but also for producing sperm. This means that if you have hypogonadism, you should always make sure that your zinc levels are sufficient.

And if you want to see improvements in your sex drive and erectile function, these herbs will surely help. Tribulus terrestris, Horny Goat Weed, and Ashwagandha are actually popular as natural aphrodisiacs since they’re very effective in increasing your sex drive. Plus, they have also been proven helpful for men with erectile dysfunction.

Male infertility is a prevalent sexual health problem that can strike any man at any time. According to research, one in six couples is affected by fertility problems, and among them, about one in every three is because of male infertility.

If you and your partner are trying to start a family, you might want to go see your doctor and undergo an examination to check if you are fertile and capable of reproducing. Usually, it is the quality of a man’s sperm that tells what your odds of getting your female partner pregnant are.

Factors That Affect Fertility

There are different factors that determine a man’s fertility, and they are the following:

Testosterone levels

Having normal testosterone levels is crucial to a man’s fertility. As the primary male sex hormone, testosterone facilitates various important male bodily functions, including sex drive, bone and muscle growth and development, body fat distribution, and sperm production.

Sex drive

Also known as libido, sex drive is your desire to engage in sexual intercourse. It can be high or low, depending on a variety of factors, such as testosterone levels. If your testosterone levels are normal, your sex drive should be all right. However, if your body’s testosterone levels are low, you may suffer from low sex drive and end up with a dull and disappointing sex life.

Erectile function

If you are having difficulties getting and/or maintaining an erection, you have a medical condition known as erectile dysfunction. Many studies have found that men who are suffering from erectile dysfunction have an increased risk of infertility.

Sperm count

You have to produce a lot of sperm to have higher chances of impregnating your partner. An average adult male normally has 15 million to 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. If you have fewer than 15 million sperm per ejaculate, you are considered to have a low sperm count and are likely to become infertile.

Sperm motility

You have to have active and dynamic sperm to successfully reproduce. Sperm with good motility or movement are able to swim through your female partner’s reproductive system and fertilize her egg without any problem.

Tips to Boost Sperm Count

Increasing your sperm count is possible by making healthy lifestyle choices. Below are highly recommended habits and changes that you have to incorporate into your routine in order to give your sperm count a boost:

Lose weight

If you are overweight or obese, you better start eating better and commit to a regular workout routine as soon as possible if you want to avoid infertility. Various studies have found that weight and sperm count have an inverse relationship with each other, which means that the heavier you are, the lower your sperm count is.

To get in shape, you should prepare healthy and balanced meals that include lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. You should stay away from foods that are high in sugar, fats, and salt, as they can put you at risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, kidney complications, and many other health problems.

Furthermore, you should be more physically active, and dedicate about half an hour of your day, thrice a week, to exercising. You can try walking, running, swimming, or cycling to work your heart, lungs, muscles, and other vital body parts. Eventually, you will lose the extra pounds, and also build better strength, endurance, stamina, and flexibility.

With a healthy body, your sperm production should improve. You should enjoy semen loaded with sperm cells that are of good quality and with high motility, ready for fertilization and reproduction.

Sleep well

If you are always up late because you have to work overtime or you have to finish a school project, you are depriving your body the rest that it needs to be able to fully recharge for the challenges of the next day. In the long run, you will start to experience a significant decline in your energy levels, and you will easily get tired and exhausted even if you are not doing anything strenuous.

Moreover, a lack of sleep will negatively impact your vital organs. It can impede your brain functions, making it difficult for you to remember names, dates, and others, learn and process information, or focus on tasks at hand. In addition, it can endanger your heart, increasing your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. It can also cause a decline in your sexual health, decreasing your sperm production or giving you sperm that has poor structure or motility. 

For optimal health, you should strive to sleep 7 to 9 hours every night. By giving your body enough downtime for resting and rejuvenating, you will be more efficient in carrying out and accomplishing the different things that you have to do day in and day out, and your fertility will not be in jeopardy.

Drink moderately

Alcohol is not really bad for your health if you drink occasionally and in moderate amounts. However, if you chug a six pack or finish an entire bottle every single day, your liver, heart, brain, and even your sperm will not be happy.

According to health professionals, men should limit themselves to up to two drinks per day or 14 drinks per week to not put their health in danger. If you drink more than that, you will be considered a binge drinker or alcohol dependent, and hurt your sperm production.

People who drink excessively have an increased risk of liver damage, heart disease, and digestive problems. They are also predisposed to sexual and reproductive issues, such as low testosterone levels and low sperm count.

Watch what medications you are taking

There are certain medications or drugs that can reduce sperm count, and many of them are actually prescription medications that are used for the treatment of other diseases.

Some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anabolic steroids, antipsychotics, and anti-androgens can potentially decrease your sperm count and eventually make you infertile, so talk to your doctor at the earliest opportunity.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has shown some great improvements in the testosterone production that has declined due to the normal aging process, or because of other factors such as stress, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure etc. In fact, TRT is one of the most popular medical methods used to treat low testosterone levels.

But TRT does not come at a low cost, nor does it come without any potential side-effects. Do you wonder what number should you expect to hear while discussing the possibility to use TRT with your doctor? If you are, then you should definitely look into what we have to share with you in the next couple of minutes.

What is testosterone replacement therapy?

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), also referred to as androgen replacement therapy is primarily being used to treat the symptoms of low testosterone levels. Throughout the years, different types of TRT have been developed. Now we have oral medications, intramuscular injections, transdermal patches, and topical creams to choose from.

TRT is generally considered to be a safe option to substitute for the decline in normal testosterone production. However, there are some potential side-effects that have been reported to occur in some cases. The list of potential side-effects includes low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, low sperm count, chest pain, heart attack, troubles with breathing, sleep apnea, acne, and swelling in the arms and legs among many other side-effects.

Why would one require testosterone replacement therapy?

As we mentioned earlier, in most cases, TRT is being used as a primary treatment for low testosterone levels. As you may know, low testosterone levels are a common problem for men, especially for those above the age of 30 when the testosterone production normally starts to decline and low testosterone symptoms start to occur.

TRT has been shown to help a lot with decreasing the symptoms of low testosterone levels, focusing on improving the sexual stamina, libido, treating any erection and ejaculation issues, infertility issues, mood changes, and much more. With that being said, any hypogonadism patient should expect to be treated with the use of TRT.

There are also non-medical cases in which TRT is used. According to some scientific studies and past cases, TRT can help with the weight loss process, boosting the sexual performance and stamina, increasing the speed of the muscle mass build-up, and even raising the endurance among athletes.

How much does testosterone replacement therapy cost?

As we mentioned earlier, there are a couple of different TRT types that you can choose from, along with the help and professional opinion of your doctor. The price of these types varies, with some types, including the TRT intramuscular injections, costing a bit more than the patches or the creams. A few other things apart from the type of TRT need to be taken into consideration as well. Where you live, whether or not you have health insurance, the administrative method, and whether or not is there a generic version available are all valuable factors.

Despite this, if you look into the prices of the different TRT methods all around the world, you will discover that the prices variate anywhere from $20 to $1,000 a month. Of course, you can expect to pay less each month if you have been prescribed patches or creams and if you have good health insurance that covers the administration of TRT. You have to understand, that even if you do use prescribed TRT, your testosterone production will not boost overnight. In fact, TRT is a long-term commitment that will cost some serious amount of money, even if you are prescribed a TRT of the lowest cost.

We want to remind you that buying TRT without a valid doctor’s prescription and diagnosis is considered to be illegal in many countries. In addition, buying TRT on the Internet or someplace else, again, without a doctor’s prescription, puts your life at risk as you cannot know if the TRT product is valid or not and what potential side-effects and risks it may bring.

If TRT is too expensive for you, or if you are interested to speed up your testosterone production even if you are using TRT, there are some other methods that you can try. As your first choice, we would definitely recommend you to look into the possibility to use a quality male enhancement pills brand. One brand that we would recommend is Male UltraCore, produced by natural ingredients whose aphrodisiac and testosterone boosting abilities have been supported by science.

Regular physical activity, especially weight lifting, in a combination with a healthy diet can deliver some great results as well. Vitamin C and Vitamin D supplements should be taken into consideration as well. Elimination of any unhealthy habits that you might have such as smoking, excessive drinking, and taking drugs will help your case and you should definitely not hesitate to discontinue them.

Conclusion

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), or androgen replacement therapy, is definitely recommended to anyone who is trying to increase his testosterone production. TRT has and continues to produce results that we should be proud of, not hesitating to use what beneficial effects TRT has to offer in our case as well.

Every man can benefit from the use of TRT, but the truth is that not everyone has the money or health insurance to use TRT. Using TRT does not come at a low cost, and it does pose as a long-term commitment. So while you are considering TRT, do not forget to take its price as valuable factors as well.

Produced in the testes, testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in many male bodily processes. Known as the primary male sex hormone, it helps in the:

• Regulation of libido or sex drive
• Production of sperm
• Building strong bones and muscles
• Production of new red blood cells
• Development of secondary male features and characteristics
• Distribution of body fat

Unfortunately, there are men who have low testosterone levels because of various factors, and they suffer from symptoms and complications that negatively impact the quality of their lives.

Who are at risk of low testosterone?

According to research, low testosterone can affect anyone but it usually affects about 40% of men who are 45 years and older. And, there are some that have a greater risk than others due to the following factors:

Alcoholism

Men who excessively drink alcohol have an increased risk of low testosterone than men who do not drink or are moderate drinkers. The reason for this is because alcohol contains certain compounds that have a negative effect on testosterone production and other bodily processes.

Drug abuse

Men who use illegal or prohibited drugs are more likely to get struck by low testosterone problems than those that do not. Just like alcohol, these drugs are loaded with compounds that can cause mild to severe damage to the brain, heart, and other vital organs.

Injury to the testicles

Men who suffer from testicular injuries, such as extreme force or trauma or getting kicked or punched, can experience a disruption to the blood flow to the testicles and have an increased risk of low testosterone.

Cancer treatment

Men who have undergone radiation therapy for prostate cancer or testicular cancer are more prone to having low testosterone levels in their bodies because the radiation can damage the nerves in and around the testicles, impairing testosterone production.

HIV

Men who are infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV may suffer from low testosterone if the virus spreads to the testicles and affects testosterone production. If not diagnosed and treated right away, HIV can progress to AIDS and cause more serious harm and even be life-threatening.

Obesity

Men who are obese have too much body fat, and they have higher odds of suffering from a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other health problems. They are also likely to experience a decline in their testosterone levels.

Old age

Men who are older tend to have lower testosterone levels than the young ones. This is because testosterone naturally declines with age. Usually, testosterone levels in the body peak at around 20 years of age, and begin to gradually decrease by about 1% each year after the age of 30.

What are the signs and symptoms of low testosterone?

The signs and symptoms of low testosterone differ per person, but they usually include:

Reduced sex drive

Testosterone promotes sex drive, so having low testosterone levels in the body can result to a decline in your desire for sex.

Impaired memory and concentration

Testosterone helps in brain function and cognitive skills, so being low in testosterone can make you prone to losing focus and memory loss.

Mood swings

Testosterone helps in mood regulation, so a shortage in testosterone can make you experience drastic mood changes, causing you to become irritable, impatient, and so on.

Muscle loss

Testosterone is key to growing strong and healthy muscles, so having low levels of testosterone in the body can lead to loss of muscle strength and increased risk of injuries.

Bone loss

Testosterone is vital to bone development, so a decline in testosterone levels can make you more prone to fractures and other injuries, and put you at higher risk of osteoporosis and other bone disorders.

Men with low testosterone may also encounter physical changes that include:

Reduced body hair

Testosterone helps in the growth of body hair, so not having enough of it can lead to a decrease in facial hair, pubic hair, chest hair, and other body hair.

Weight gain

Testosterone plays an important role in body fat distribution, so low testosterone can increase your chances of gaining weight and packing more body fat, putting you at risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other complications.

If not treated right away, low testosterone can lead to serious sexual and reproductive health problems, such as:

Erectile dysfunction

This is a condition in which a man is unable to achieve and sustain an erection for sex. This is common in older men, but can also strike men in their 20s or 30s. It is caused by various factors, including having low testosterone levels in the body.

Infertility

This is a condition characterized by the inability to get your female partner pregnant after years and years of trying.  According to studies, approximately 15% of couples fail to get pregnant after a year of engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse. It is caused by different factors, including having low sperm count or poor sperm quality, which can happen if you have low testosterone levels in the body.

How is low testosterone treated?

To treat low testosterone, your doctor may advise you to take testosterone replacement therapy and prescribe you any of the following:

• Intramuscular injections – These are testosterone injections that are injected into the muscle once every two or so weeks.
• Skin patches – These are administered by applying them onto the skin, usually on the arms, abdomen, shoulders, buttocks, and back.
• Pellets – These are administered by inserting them under the skin. Usually, only one has to be implanted every couple of months.
• Gels – These are applied onto the skin on a daily basis.

For your safety, you should obey doctor’s orders. Follow the prescribed dosage, and do not attempt to increase your intake. Doubling or tripling the dose may increase your testosterone levels faster, but it can cause negative side effects that can only worsen your condition.

Produced by the pituitary gland, the human growth hormone or HGH is a hormone that plays a major role in various bodily functions, most particularly in processes that involve growth and development.

It is essential in:

• Cell repair
• Muscle and bone growth and development
• Increase in height
• Sexual function
• Reproduction

HGH levels – The normal HGH levels in men and women

According to studies, HGH levels in humans vary as they age. In men, for instance, HGH levels can range between 500 nanograms per milliliter and 1,000 nanograms per milliliter before they turn 30 years old, and can start to decline by about 10% to 15% every decade after.

Below are the average HGH levels at different stages in a man’s life:

• 0 to 30 years old: < 1,000 nanograms per milliliter
• 31 to 40 years old: <700 nanograms per milliliter
• 41 to 50 years old: <400 nanograms per milliliter
• 51 to 60 years old: <200 nanograms per milliliter
• 61 years old and older: <100 nanograms per milliliter

In women, the average HGH levels at different stages in their lives are:

• 21 to 25 years old: 93 to 342 nanograms per milliliter
• 26 to 30 years old: 78 to 243 nanograms per milliliter
• 31 to 35 years old: 73 to 243 nanograms per milliliter
• 36 to 40 years old: 69 to 227 nanograms per milliliter
• 41 to 45 years old: 62 to 204 nanograms per milliliter
• 46 to 50 years old: 57 to 195 nanograms per milliliter
• 51 to 55 years old: 53 to 190 nanograms per milliliter
• 56 to 60 years old: 46 to 172 nanograms per milliliter
• 61 years old and older: 34 to 178 nanograms per milliliter

Growth Hormone Deficiency – An overview

If your HGH levels are lower than the normal range, you have a condition called growth hormone deficiency or GHD. It can affect anyone from birth or show up later in life. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetic mutations
• Tumors
• Turner syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and other congenital diseases
• Infections
• Pituitary damage due to radiation therapy
• Hemorrhage pituitary apoplexy
• Autoimmune inflammation

Low HGH – The common signs and symptoms of growth hormone deficiency

There are many signs and symptoms that can arise if you have low HGH levels in the body. The following are some common examples:

• Low energy levels
• Memory loss
• Impaired focus or concentration
• Reduced bone and muscle strength
• Hair loss or baldness
• Weight gain or increase in body fat, especially around the waistline
• Cardiovascular complications
• Low libido or sex drive
• Premature aging
• Short stature, especially in children
• More frequent infections and illnesses

Diagnosing low HGH – The best way to test HGH levels

If you are manifesting any of the common low HGH signs and symptoms enumerated above, you have to go see your doctor right away. You may have growth hormone deficiency that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

To diagnose this medical problem, your doctor may:

• Do a physical exam to take note of your height, weight, and body proportions. This method is commonly done to diagnose children with growth hormone deficiency.
• Take a close look at your pituitary gland via magnetic resonance imaging or MRI. There may be a tumor there that is causing your low HGH levels.
• Take a sample of your blood to measure how much growth hormone there is in the blood. This is also used to check the levels of the other hormones that the pituitary gland secretes.
• Perform a growth hormone stimulation test to see how your pituitary gland responds.
• Do X-rays to measure your bone density and see if there are any abnormalities in the size and shape of your bones.

Treating growth hormone deficiency – The treatment options available to increase HGH levels

If after undergoing some tests you receive an official diagnosis that you have growth hormone deficiency, your doctor may recommend the following treatment solutions for your problem:

Growth hormone therapy

This is a treatment method in which growth hormones are injected into the body to boost HGH levels. Usually, it has to be injected on a daily basis. It is important that you follow your doctor’s prescribed dose, as negative side effects may arise if you try to take more.

To monitor your progress, you must go see your doctor every few weeks. You will undergo more blood tests to determine if your dosage is working, or if it needs to be increased or lowered. Your blood sugar, cholesterol, bone density, muscle mass, and others will also be noted to ensure that they are at healthy and normal levels.

Lifestyle change

To help boost your HGH levels, you also have to start making healthy lifestyle choices.

First of all, you should eat a healthy and balanced diet that can supply your body with the essential nutrients that it needs to produce sufficient amounts of HGH and perform its important functions. Include more fruits and vegetables to your daily meals, and stay away from processed foods and foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt.

Being more physically active can also help you enhance your HGH levels. If you can dedicate even just 30 minutes of your day, three to four times a week, to exercising, you can help raise your HGH and also enhance your strength, endurance, and stamina. You can also lower your risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health problems.

Finally, you should get enough sleep. By sleeping seven to eight hours a night, you can give your body enough time to rest and recharge, promoting efficient hormone production. If you are well-rested, you can also boost your overall health and wellbeing.

Men with low testosterone are often advised by their doctors to undergo testosterone treatment to increase their testosterone levels. If not treated right away, low testosterone can cause several symptoms and complications that can profoundly lower your quality of life.

What is testosterone?

Produced in the testes, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It plays a major role in many male bodily functions, including:

• Libido
• Muscle and bone development
• Body fat distribution
• Body hair
• Sperm production
• Red blood cell production

What are the normal testosterone levels in men?

Testosterone levels in men vary as they age. In general, testosterone increases from birth through puberty, and peaks at around the late teens or early 20s. And, after the age of 30, it starts to gradually decline, usually by about 1% each year.

The normal testosterone level range in adult men is between 270 nanograms per deciliter and 1,070 nanograms per deciliter, with an average of 679 nanograms per deciliter. Once you are in your 30s, your average testosterone levels may fall to below 600 nanograms per deciliter, and, in your 60s, to below 500.

To know whether you have normal testosterone levels or not, you have to take a testosterone level test. It is a quick and simple blood test that can determine the amount of testosterone your body produces. As hormone levels are at their highest in the morning, it is best that you schedule your test around 8 am to 10 am.

What is low testosterone?

Low testosterone occurs when your testosterone levels are below the normal range. It is a condition that needs to be addressed at the earliest opportunity, as it can bring about many signs and symptoms, such as:

Reduced energy levels

Testosterone helps in keeping your strength, stamina, and endurance up, so a shortage of it can make you feel weak or tired easily.

Muscle and bone loss

Testosterone is essential in the growth and development of your muscles and bones, so low testosterone levels in the body can make you prone to reduced muscle mass and bone density, and pains and aches in the joints that take a long time to go away.

Weight gain

Testosterone aids in the proper distribution of body fat, so not having enough testosterone to carry out that job can make you gain weight and put you at risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Low libido

Testosterone promotes libido, so, as a result of low testosterone levels in the body, you can lose your desire for sexual intercourse.

Sleep disturbances

Low testosterone levels have been found to contribute to changes in one’s sleeping patterns, and can cause insomnia and other sleeping problems.

Mental and emotional changes

Low testosterone may decrease one’s self-confidence, motivation, and increase feelings of sadness, depression, and anxiety.

How is low testosterone treated?

There are many different treatment options available for low testosterone. Your doctor may prescribe testosterone treatment medications, such as the following:

• Testosterone injections – These are administered by injecting into the skin, once every 10 or 14 days, to get more testosterone into the bloodstream.
• Testosterone skin patches – These are applied onto the skin of the arm, neck, shoulders, or back to allow testosterone to be absorbed into the body.
• Testosterone gels – These are applied onto the skin of the arm, neck, shoulders, back, or buttocks everyday to introduce more testosterone into the body.
• Testosterone pellets – These are inserted under the skin so that testosterone can be absorbed into the body.

You have to discuss with your doctor which testosterone treatment is best for you. Self-medicating is strongly discouraged, as negative side effects may arise and end up putting you in a much worse condition.

Testosterone treatment is not suitable for men who are suspected or have been diagnosed with breast cancer or prostate cancer. It is also not recommended for those with heart, liver, or kidney problems.

Are there natural ways to increase testosterone?

In addition to testosterone treatment, there are other ways to raise your testosterone levels. These alternative options are actually natural methods that involve making healthy lifestyle choices, such as:

Exercise

One of the most highly recommended natural ways to boost testosterone is by exercising.

In one study, people who exercised on a regular basis were found to have higher testosterone levels than those who lived a sedentary lifestyle. They also showed better stamina, endurance, and reaction times. In another study, obese men were made to exercise for a particular time period. At the end, they were able to lose weight and exhibited higher testosterone levels than when the research started.

According to medical experts, among all the different types of exercises, resistance training is the most effective in increasing testosterone. Two to three times a week, you should do weight lifting or high intensity interval training for the good of your testosterone levels, as well as your muscles and vital body parts.

Diet

The kinds of foods that you eat have a huge impact on your body’s testosterone levels. If you constantly eat foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat, you are likely to have reduced testosterone production and other health problems.

To raise testosterone levels, you should stick to foods that are loaded with essential nutrients, most particularly amino acids, vitamin D, and zinc, as these are great for your hormone production. You should also watch your calorie intake and avoid overeating to not gain weight or mess up your digestive functions.

Sleep

Sleep is necessary in maintaining normal testosterone levels. Its role is as important as exercise and diet.

According to one study, people who got only four hours of sleep a night showed testosterone deficiency. They were also found to have lower energy levels, impaired focus and memory, and higher risk of heart disease and other health problems. There was another study that concluded that people who get an additional hour of sleep every night experience a 15% increase in their testosterone levels.

Men produce a hormone called testosterone that takes on important roles in various bodily functions. Also known as the primary male sex hormone, it helps facilitate a man’s:

Libido

Testosterone levels have to be normal so that a man can have libido or sex drive for sex. If there is low testosterone, a man may lose his desire for sex.

Sperm production

Testosterone is essential in the production of sperm. It helps in making sure that there is enough sperm produced and that each sperm has good structure and motility.

Bone density

Testosterone aids in the growth and development of strong and healthy bones. Without testosterone, the risk of injuries and bone disorders increases.

Muscle mass

Testosterone is key to the growth and development of strong and healthy muscles. A lack of testosterone can cause weak muscles and an increased risk of muscular complications and disorders.

Red blood cell production

Testosterone plays an important role in the body’s production of new red blood cells. With enough testosterone in the body, more new red blood cells are produced, which helps in improved blood circulation and blood flow.

During puberty, it is involved in a number of changes that a boy goes through, including:

Growth of body hair

Testosterone helps in the growth of pubic hair, underarm hair, facial hair, and other body hair. Someone who has low testosterone may suffer from hair loss.

Increase in height

Testosterone facilitates growth in height in boys who hit the puberty stage. Without testosterone, a boy may experience slower growth than his peers.

Genital development

Testosterone is key to the enlargement of the male genitals. If testosterone levels are low, the penis and the testicles may be left underdeveloped.

Why do some men have low testosterone?

Testosterone is produced in large amounts in the testicles, and it naturally declines with age. The levels usually peak around the age of 18 to 20, and start to gradually decline after the age of 30. So, as you grow older, especially once you are in your 40s or above, expect your testosterone levels to be less than what you had when you were younger.

Sometimes, testosterone levels can also decline not because of aging but due to other factors. Below are some common causes of low testosterone:

Testicular injuries

If you get kicked or punched in the testicles, the extreme force or trauma may cause damage and interrupt the blood flow to your testicles, impeding the production of testosterone.

Orchitis

This disease is caused by either a virus or bacteria, resulting to the inflammation of the testicles. Among its typical signs and symptoms include fever, and mild to severe pain and swelling in one or both testicles.

Testicular cancer

This is a type of cancer that usually strikes men between the ages of 15 and 35. It triggers a number of signs and symptoms, including a lump or hardness in the testicles, aching in the groin or lower abdomen, and chest pain.

Radiation exposure

If you undergo radiation treatment for testicular cancer, prostate cancer, or others, it may leave some nerves in the area damaged, leaving your testicles and other vital parts unable to do their jobs properly.

Diabetes

This is a medical condition in which one’s blood sugar or glucose levels are too high. Many studies have found that men with diabetes are highly likely to experience a decline in their testosterone levels, and men with low testosterone levels are more prone to developing diabetes.

How do you know if you have low testosterone?

Men with low testosterone may manifest the following signs and symptoms:

• Reduced libido or sex drive
• Fatigue
• Muscle and bone loss
• Impaired memory and concentration
• Mood swings
• Increased body fat
• Decreased body hair

If the problem is not diagnosed and treated right away, it can cause:

• Erectile dysfunction – This is a sexual health problem in which a man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection firm or long enough for sex.
• Infertility – This is a condition in which a man is unable to impregnate his female partner.

To get a proper diagnosis, it is advised that you visit your doctor and undergo a testosterone level test. In a testosterone level test, a sample of your blood is taken and submitted to the laboratory for closer examination and analysis. For precise results, it is recommended that you take your testosterone level test in the morning, probably around 8 am to 10 am, as these hours are when the body’s hormone levels are at their peak.

In men, the normal testosterone levels range between 270 nanograms per deciliter and 1,070 nanograms per deciliter. If your testosterone level test shows that your testosterone is below this range, this means you have low testosterone.

What should you do to improve your testosterone levels?

Men diagnosed with low testosterone are often treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Your doctor may prescribe any of the following different testosterone replacement therapy options:

• Injections – These are injected into a muscle, usually the arm, to introduce testosterone into the bloodstream. They are usually taken as a single dose once every 10 days to 14 days.
• Gels – These are administered onto the skin, usually the arms or upper back, on a daily basis to allow testosterone to be absorbed into the body.
• Patches – These are applied onto the skin, usually the arms, back, abdomen, or buttocks, to help boost the body’s testosterone levels.
• Pellets – These are administered by implanting them under the skin to let testosterone get into the body. Usually, one pellet is used every two months.

There are many benefits to taking testosterone replacement therapy. If you follow doctor’s orders, you should experience significant improvements in the overall quality of your life. You should have enhanced bone and muscle strength, better mood, focus, and memory, and increased libido and sexual health.

ED, or erectile dysfunction, is a condition in which a man is unable to get and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. It strikes about 1 in 10 adult men and is quite prevalent in men aged 50 years and older.

According to studies, about 50% of men who are in their 50s have erectile dysfunction, and that percentage increases by 10% for every decade that passes, i.e. the odds increase to 60% once they are in their 60s, to 70% once they are in their 70s, and so on.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction often comes with aging, but it can also be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions. The following are examples of factors that cause ED:

Heart disease

The heart is an important organ that plays many crucial roles in the body. It is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to the cells and tissues, and eliminating carbon dioxide and wastes. If your heart is healthy, you should not have any problem with getting enough blood flowing to your penis for erections. However, if your heart is suffering from complications, such as if there is a blocked blood vessel somewhere, your blood circulation is negatively impacted, and blood flow to your penis is impeded.

Multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders

To get an erection, the nerves in your body should be able to send impulses to your penis without any obstructions. However, if you have multiple sclerosis, which is a condition that disables your central nervous system, your nerves may be unable to allow information to smoothly flow between your brain and body.

Mental health

Your mental health is crucial to your erectile function. If you are always stressed, suffering from depression, or have performance anxiety, it may become difficult to maintain a high sex drive or perform satisfactorily in the bedroom, even with enough sexual stimulation.

Injury

Certain injuries can cause erectile dysfunction. For example, if you get into an accident that leaves serious damage to your spinal cord or nerves, you may be left with a dysfunctional penis. Also, if you experience extreme force or trauma to your pelvic area or penis, you may experience vascular damage that can make achieving and sustaining erections difficult or even impossible.

In some cases, erectile dysfunction is brought about by certain medications. If you are taking medication for your heart, depression, cancer, and other health problems, you should be wary because they may contain substances that can cause trouble to your penis.

Examples of medications that may potentially have ED as one of their side effects are:

• Antidepressants – These are medications used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, some addictions, some chronic pain conditions, and others.
• Antihistamines – These are medications used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and other kinds of allergies caused by food, dust mites, pollen, and other factors.
• Muscle relaxants – These are medications used to relieve the symptoms of muscles pains, muscle spasms, and hyperreflexia, and they can reduce muscle function and tone.
• Chemotherapy medications – These are medications used to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading to the other parts of the body or to completely kill cancer cells.
• Antihypertensives – These are medications used for the treatment of high blood pressure or hypertension.
• Diuretics – These are medications used to increase the amount urine expelled from the body, and they are usually administered to people with high blood pressure, edema, and glaucoma.

Use of prohibited, illegal, and recreational drugs can also contribute to ED. Your risk of erectile dysfunction increases if you are a frequent or long-term user of the following drugs:

• Alcohol – Health experts recommend that men drink no more than 2 drinks per day and women drink no more than one drink per day to keep their alcohol intake in moderation and avoid the health risks of alcohol abuse.
• Cocaine – This is a very potent recreational drug that has profound effects on brain function, causing an intense feeling of agitation or happiness, detachment from reality, tremors, and increased heart rate.
• Amphetamines – These are drugs that stimulate the brain and central nervous system. They are legally prescribed to treat narcolepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and others. However, if abused, they can impair cognitive skills, increase anxiety levels, cause faster heart rate and heart palpitations, and raise blood pressure.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

It is important that you consult your doctor as soon as possible to treat your erectile dysfunction. These days, there are several ways to treat ED, and your doctor may recommend the one that they think is best for you. Some of the common ED treatment options are:

Oral medications

These are the most commonly prescribed treatment for ED. They work by boosting the effects of nitric oxide in your body, making your penis more relaxed and able to receive blood to get an erection. Examples of these oral medications for ED are Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil.

Sex therapy

If your erectile issues are caused by factors that have got to do with your mental health or psychology, you may be advised by your doctor to see a sex therapist. By undergoing this kind of counseling, you can get help for your performance anxiety problem, high stress levels, or depression.

Penile injection therapy

This is done by injecting into a particular area of your penis, away from a blood vessel or a nerve. You should only administer your doctor’s prescribed dosage, as there may be negative side effects that can only worsen your condition.

Hormone therapy

If your ED is due to low hormone levels, you may be advised by your doctor to take hormone replacement. Among all the hormones found in men, testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that plays a big role in various bodily functions. Men with low testosterone usually encounter erectile difficulties, and they are prescribed testosterone replacement therapy in the form of injections, pellets, skin patches, creams, or topical gels by their doctors.