Generally, testosterone levels in men decline at a rate of 1-3% per year after the age of 30-35 years. However, this decline can begin prematurely and at a faster rate (5% per year).
According to studies conducted in 2008, 25% of men from the age of 30 onwards have low numbers, and this percentage increases to 38.7% at the age of 45, according to Mulligan et al.
The causal factors are:
- Environmental pollution, which includes disruptive factors and endocrine disruptors, called exoestrogens, which are ubiquitous today. These are chemicals synthesized by man in recent decades and commonly used in industry, agriculture and the home;
- Radiations,
- Drugs
- Drugs
- Stress
- Lifestyle
- The obesity epidemic.
These data are based, among others, on the work of Osser et al. where a greater effect on the decrease in semen volume and density is observed in urban areas such as Malmo (Sweden) compared to the surrounding rural areas. In our case, and according to the criteria of the World Health Organization (2008), more than half of Spanish young men (57.8) have altered semen, that is, they are subfertile.
How to treat erectile dysfunction
When erectile dysfunction has an important psychological component, there are several so-called natural products that can help and even have a placebo effect, such as maca, l-arginine, selenium, magnesium and zinc. But if free testosterone is low and estrogens are in the high range, as well as other hormonal alterations such as increased prolactin, it is practically impossible to correct the problem unless medical intervention is taken.
When to see a Specialist for erectile dysfunction
If we take into account that erectile dysfunction can be a sentinel symptom, that is, it alerts us that other disorders or other more serious pathologies are occurring, since the origin of this dysfunction may be of vascular origin or the cause may be a metabolic syndrome that involves alterations in glucose, lipids, blood pressure, uric acid and obesity or insulin resistance. I am inclined to advise to consult a doctor the sooner the better.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction
It should not be thought that everything is solved with injectable testosterone, there are also preparations for local application or, depending on each case, the patient himself should try, if possible, to increase testosterone production by himself, by means of other types of medications available.
To treat low testosterone, injectable testosterone is usually prescribed -only if the case requires it- in doses and frequencies established by the endocrinologist, combined or not with other medications that may be necessary for the correct treatment of the pathology, depending on the analytical values of each patient.
Can erectile dysfunction be prevented?
In order to try to prevent hypogonadism, it is advisable to lead a healthy lifestyle, avoid obesity, do not consume anabolic or recreational substances, practice exercise, review the medication that is usually taken (since there are some medications that can affect and can be changed for others that do not have this undesired effect), and avoid stress.
It is not advisable to consume red clover, which contains isoflavones, which are plant estrogens; for the same reason, do not abuse soy and preferably consume vegetables of the cabbage family; in addition, abstain from the consumption of junk food.