Sexual issues in men are becoming a growing concern in the USA. Based on a study done by the Journal of Sexual Medicine, conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED) affect more than 18% of the male population, a number that has been rising year after year. The question is, why are these problems plaguing the men of today?
One of the biggest contributors to this is declining testosterone (T) levels. A review done by the JCEM found that there has been a substantial drop in T levels across men of all age groups. The continued trend of obesity, living sedentary lifestyles, and general daily stressors all factor into this increasing concern. Collectively, lower T levels negatively impact penile function and overall sexual desire.
Does testosterone affect size and penile functionality? This article is going to dive into what role this hormone plays in male sexual health, and when men should start looking for various treatments. On top of this, we will discuss how medication can transform your intimate life, as well as how to tackle these issues naturally.
This hormone is mostly produced in the testes of men, more specifically by the Leydig cells that are found in this area. The pituitary gland in the brain releases the luteinizing hormone (LH), which then stimulates the production of the T hormone in the testicles. This hormone is not stored in large amounts, and most of it is released into the bloodstream to circulate throughout the body.
In younger men going through puberty, T is one of the most important factors in muscle and testicular development. During this period, this hormone causes the penis and testes to grow, which then leads to more sperm production for fertility. It is also around this age when sexual thoughts and curiosities start emerging.
Many people will wonder does testosterone make you bigger? In older men, T plays a much different role. Firstly, the levels of this hormone naturally drop after men reach the age of 30. This means that men will need a little bit more stimulation to become aroused, rather than it being much easier at a younger age.
High levels of this hormone contribute to a healthy libido, as well as maintaining penile tissue functionality. When there are low or irregular levels of T in the body, men find it difficult to form erections or enjoy intimate moments, and often have fluctuating mood levels.
People need to remember that sexual problems are complex, and not every man suffers from low T levels. There can be other biological and psychological factors that contribute to poor erectile function. These include cardiovascular diseases and mental health problems that restrict blood flow to the genitalia.
This said, TRT procedures will definitely benefit those men dealing with clinically low levels, otherwise known as hypogonadism. These sessions involve injections or oral pills to slowly increase the amount of available T in the body. Can testosterone increase size? Unfortunately, not. But these TRT methods can boost multiple areas that affect sexual performance.
The first noticeable benefit will be a boosted libido and sex drive. This will make it easier for men to become sexually aroused, which can factor into erection formation. Energy levels, stamina, and mood levels will also receive a healthy uplift, all of which make the sexual experience much more enjoyable.
It is important to note that TRT is not suitable for everybody. Men who have a history of heart problems or prostate issues need to inform their doctor beforehand. This also applies to men who have normal levels of this hormone. These procedures should not be seen as a sexual enhancement solution, but a necessary tool for the men who need it.
Understanding the close relationship between this hormone and sexual function answers the question: Does testosterone increase size in adults? Although T will not contribute to more penis growth in adulthood, it does factor into the physiological processes behind erections. Two of the most important areas that this hormone targets are blood flow and nerve function.
Nitric oxide (NO) is an essential molecule for erections, and it is mainly produced within blood vessel linings. NO is released during sexual arousal, and then binds with a chemical in the penis to widen genital blood vessels. T prevents these blood vessels from oxidative stress, which allows them to fully dilate and trap blood more easily.
It also factors into a responsive nervous system. Healthy levels of this hormone ensure that nerve sensitivity in the penis is safeguarded, which leads to more pleasure and more intense orgasms. This also translates to men having more frequent 'morning wood' occurrences as erectile responses are much quicker.
If T levels are lower than normal, it can affect one or multiple areas of sexual function. Men who experience frequent erection issues need to visit a doctor to understand if their problems are caused by low T levels, or other underlying causes. This will also ensure that the right erectile dysfunction treatment is prescribed for their condition.
This active ingredient was first created in the 1990s. Its original purpose was to treat chest pain caused by poor blood flow, but it was later developed into a medication that manages erection problems in men. It is now sold in various branded and generic medications worldwide, and it remains the most popular solution for men with penile difficulties.
In normal circumstances, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) enzymes break down a chemical called cGMP in the penis, which is the main vasodilator in this area. Sildenafil prevents these enzymes from doing this, which then allows the blood vessels to remain open for longer. cGMP can only activate in the presence of nitric oxide, which means that men need to be aroused for this solution to work.
The great thing about this medication is that it makes forming and maintaining an erection much easier for men. The effects can last for up to 4 hours, giving men ample time to enjoy their intimate moments. This medication gives men the tools to have hassle-free intimacy, whereas T levels influence sexual desire and the initial arousal.
The pairing of regulated hormones and this medication can drastically improve sexual health. Can testosterone increase size? Not directly, but the improved blood flow and sensitivity from this combination will ensure that erections remain full or rigid for much longer.
There is a wide range of medications that aim to improve sexual performance. These solutions include prescription medications, generic alternatives, as well as herbal options that are available. PDE5 inhibitors, like sildenafil, are tested and proven to improve erection problems in men. Even generic versions that have this active ingredient will produce the same results, despite the negative connotations attached to them. They perform identically to their branded counterparts, as the same structure and production methods are used.
There are also herbal sex pills that promote better sexual function, but these medications are known to have varying results. Some popular herbs that are included in these solutions are maca root, ginseng, ashwagandha, and ginkgo biloba. The reality is that these compounds have not been studied enough to make solid conclusions.
Some topical jellies and creams also claim to boost T levels and production. Does testosterone gel increase size? As explored, the surge of this hormone will have no impact on penile growth, but it can potentially help with low libido.
Although prescription medication would be the first course of action in most cases, it does not mean that men should not try alternative solutions. If they are suitable for them, they can be taken alongside their PDE5 medication for potentially better results, but men should not expect them to work overnight.
A complementary treatment plan that combines lifestyle changes with medical solutions gives men the best chance at reviving their intimate lives. Men will no longer need to search for phrases like 'Can testosterone increase size?' anymore, since this treatment plan targets multiple areas of their sexual health.
One area all diagnosed men can improve on is their physical health. An article posted on the NIH highlights that patients suffering from ED should aim to exercise at least 4 times a week, with a combination of aerobic and strength sessions. This pairing of exercises will be able to boost blood circulation naturally around the body, while also promoting T production in the process.
Creating healthy eating habits will also greatly contribute to better physical health. Some of the most common culprits that men should avoid are trans-fats, fried foods, and processed ingredients. All of these food groups increase the risk of blocked arteries and do not have the necessary vitamins that benefit sexual health. Instead, men can prioritize natural foods and healthier fats in their daily diets to lessen the chances of obesity, as well as a nutrient deficit.
An area that often goes unnoticed is mental health. Most men, as a result of society, equate their value to their sexual performance. Changing this mindset is essential for developing a healthy body image. Daily meditation or weekly therapy sessions are great places to start breaking down sexual barriers. Once this mindset shift happens, topics revolving around 'does testosterone make you bigger' no longer become relevant.
Penile problems and libido difficulties are mainly associated with older men. Specifically, the risk of developing these issues starts increasing after the age of 40, and this is a direct result of weaker blood flow or less T being produced by the body. It is important to remember that this decline is completely natural, and altering some lifestyle habits can slow down and sometimes partially reverse this process.
Yet, these issues are not exclusive to older men. Younger men can also develop these conditions from a string of bad habits and mental health problems. Obesity, alcohol abuse, heavy smoking, and depression are some of the highest reported factors within this age group. These habits fast-track cardiovascular and hormonal decline, leading to early ED symptoms.
This being said, if these erectile failures and phases of low sex drive seem to persist, then a consultation with the doctor is recommended. Even searching for 'Can testosterone increase size' is an indication that a man is unhappy with his performance, or has developed a skewed view of intimacy as a whole.
It is important for men to never self-diagnose their condition, as this can lead to the wrong medication being acquired or going to therapies that are unnecessary. A doctor will be able to identify the main underlying causes, which will then be followed by a personal treatment plan that is specific to their needs.
Sexual dysfunctions in men are riddled with misunderstandings. When erection problems slowly creep in, or even phases of zero libido start becoming more frequent, it can send the man down a low self-esteem spiral, with him wondering where he went wrong. Does increasing testosterone increase size? No.
Men need to approach their recovery journey from multiple angles if they want to see noticeable improvements in their sexual health. A visit to the doctor will give patients a better understanding of why erection problems are developing in the first place, and it will give men a good foundation for their healing process.
Medical solutions like PDE5 inhibitors will allow men to have intimacy in the moment, while lifestyle changes aim to treat the condition from the ground up. Regular workouts can naturally elevate T levels in the body, while eating more healthily can ensure a robust cardiovascular system. Consistently focusing on mental health during the recovery can help men develop a positive sexual mindset that allows them to prioritize health and wellness.
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