Low testosterone is one of the most prevalent sexual health problems that strike men today. In the United States alone, there are about four to five million men who suffer from it. Because of the many important roles that testosterone plays in the body, it is crucial to keep its levels in the body normal.
How to Know If You Have Low Testosterone
Men whose testosterone levels are lower than normal may experience a number of signs and symptoms that include:
Underdeveloped penis and testicles
One of the main roles of testosterone is to promote the growth and development of genitalia, so a lack of it prevents your penis and testicles from fully developing.
Lack of facial hair, pubic hair, and other body hair
Starting puberty, testosterone facilitates the growth of body hair in men, so having low levels of testosterone slows down or totally stops that from happening.
Impaired muscle and bone development
To grow and develop strong and healthy muscles and bones, the body needs testosterone. So, because there is not enough testosterone available to get that job done, you end up with weak muscles and bones with low mass and density.
Low energy levels
Testosterone supplies the body with energy that allows you to perform various tasks everyday. However, if you have low testosterone, your energy levels will decrease, and you end up feeling weak and fatigued.
Low libido or sex drive
Your desire for sex is influenced by your testosterone levels, so it is reduced if your testosterone is low.
Erectile dysfunction
How much testosterone you have in your body affects how efficient your penis is for sex. If you have low testosterone, getting hard or maintaining firm and long-lasting erections will be difficult.
Infertility
Testosterone plays an important role in your body’s ability to produce sperm. If you have low levels of testosterone, your sperm count will be low, and your sperm structure and motility will be poor.
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately, and undergo a testosterone level test, which is a screening test in which you can get an accurate diagnosis of your testosterone level.
The range for normal testosterone levels is from 280 nanograms per deciliter to 1,100 nanograms per deciliter, so if your testosterone level test returns a result that is below that, it means you indeed have low testosterone in your body.
What Causes Low Testosterone Levels in the Body
There are several things that can cause a decrease in your body’s testosterone levels. Below are some examples:
1. Injury to your testicles
Because of its placement on the body, the testicles are prone to injuries. According to data, approximately 85% of testicular injury cases occur as a result of blunt trauma that is brought about by getting kicked, getting into a bicycle or motorcycle accident, and many others.
Some of the most common testicular injuries include:
- Rupture – This happens when the covering that protects your testicles is torn or ruptured, and damages your testicles.
- Contusion – This happens when the blood vessels in your testicles are damaged, resulting to bruising and bleeding.
- Torsion – This happens when your spermatic cord is twisted.
- Hematoceles – This happens when blood accumulates under your testicles’ protective covering.
- Epididymitis – This happens when your epididymis gets swollen, resulting to painful ejaculations.
- Dislocation – This happens when one or both of your testicles get pushed out of your scrotum to your abdomen or pelvic region due to the impact of a motorcycle crash or other accidents.
2. Infections
There are certain infections that can damage your testicles. One example is a condition known as mumps orchitis, which is a highly contagious disease that is caused by a virus. It can be transmitted from one individual to another via saliva and other bodily fluids, physical contact, and others.
If you are infected with mumps, you will begin to show symptoms about two weeks after initial exposure to the virus. You will experience a low-grade fever, body aches, headaches, appetite loss, and fatigue.
The virus may reach other parts of your body, such as your reproductive parts. It can cause an inflammation of your testicles and cause so much pain and discomfort. If not treated right away, it can affect your sexual and reproductive functions, and result to low testosterone production, low sperm count and quality, and even infertility.
3. Obesity
Having too much fat in the body makes you at high risk of obesity. People who are obese not only have so much difficulty finding clothes that fit them, but they also experience various pains and aches that strike their joints, back, knees, and vital organs, including the heart and kidneys.
Obesity subjects your bones and organs to too much stress and strain that cause them to work a lot harder and longer than they should. As a result, your blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels increase, increasing your risk of a heart attack, stroke, osteoarthritis, asthma, sleep apnea, and other diseases.
4. HIV/AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is a medical condition in which the virus attacks your immune system, rendering you unable to fight off infections. It is usually spread through unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing of needles and other paraphernalia. If not treated right away, HIV can progress to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS, which is the final stage of HIV.
If you are afflicted with HIV or AIDS, your hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testicles are also affected. As a result, your testosterone production and other functions are hampered, and you encounter difficulties with your erectile function, fertility, and reproductive health.
How to Treat Low Testosterone
Those with low testosterone have to consult a doctor to find the best testosterone treatment method for them. Usually, medical professionals will recommend testosterone boosters that come in the form of injections, pills, gels, and patches. They will also advise you to live a healthy lifestyle by eating more nutritious foods, losing weight, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and quitting alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
