Sections
Androgen Substitution | Oral Preparations for Erectile Disorder—Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors | Other Oral Preparations | Topical Preparations | Mechanical Devices—Vacuum Pumps and Constriction or Compression Rings | Surgical Modalities
Excerpt
Androgen replacement therapy for ED is indicated only in clearly
demonstrated hypogonadism and/or low testosterone levels.
The results of androgen replacement in ED are frequently not very
satisfactory—even in young men with low testosterone levels,
improvement during testosterone replacement may be marginal (Althof and Seftel 1995). Administration of testosterone in healthy
men with ED is not effective (Schiavi et al. 1997).
Androgen replacement in hypogonadism is usually lifelong. In the
U.S., testosterone is available in oral (Testred), intramuscular
(Delaestryl), and transdermal (Androderm Transdermal System, or
Androgel) preparations. The side effects and complications of androgen
replacement (e.g., prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver toxicity,
hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular side effects, sleep apnea) were discussed
earlier, in the section on male hypoactive sexual disorder.