The Impact of Low Testosterone Levels on Male Virility

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is an androgen that stimulates the development of certain male features and plays a crucial role in sperm production or spermatogenesis. It helps develop and maintain the male sex organs and genitalia, muscle mass, and bone density. It also ensures adequate levels of red blood cells in the body. Further, testosterone is responsible for men’s sexual and reproductive function and well-being.

It’s responsible for the changes that males experience during puberty, like the growth of facial and pubic hair, increased muscle strength, and deepening of the voice.

Lower testosterone levels can affect many bodily functions and result in physical and emotional changes. It’s a common health condition known as Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome (TD) or Low Testosterone (Low-T).

Another term for low testosterone is male hypogonadism. It’s a condition wherein the testes fail to produce enough testosterone. Specifically, the Leydig cells found in testicles produce this male sex hormone.

The body regulates the testosterone levels in the blood, typically highest in the morning and gradually declining throughout the day. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus control the amount of testosterone being produced and released by the testicles. Therefore, any issue that may arise in these three can cause low testosterone or male hypogonadism.

Here’s how it can impact male virility:

Poor sexual function

Testosterone is the most crucial hormone responsible for men’s libido and sex drive. It can significantly affect their sexual desire and performance in bed. The most common symptoms are insufficient desire for sex, fewer erections, and infertility. Take note that erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t primarily caused by low testosterone.

Physical changes

Testosterone is considered the “male” hormone, which helps give men their masculine form. Having Low-T can cause physical changes like an increase in one’s body fat, a decrease in muscle mass or strength and body hair, swelling and tenderness of the breasts’ tissue, and fragile bones. Increased fatigue, hot flashes, insomnia, and low energy levels can be experienced, too. 

Emotional changes

Low testosterone levels can also impact emotions. It can lead to sadness or depression. Others find it hard to concentrate, while others become forgetful. They begin to lack motivation and self-confidence. As a result, they become more irritable.

Taking a testosterone test in the UK is one of the effective ways to detect low testosterone earlier. However, you may also watch out for common symptoms and causes, which may vary according to age.

The most common symptom is reduced sex drive. Men also experience fewer erections and infertility, which makes conceiving very difficult. Take note that erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t commonly connected to poor levels of testosterone.

Other symptoms include loss of facial and pubic hair, shrinking of testicles, and hot flashes. Men with low testosterone levels also exhibit depression, difficulty memorizing and concentrating, and decreased endurance, muscle strength, and mass. In others, increased body fat or obesity is evident.  

What causes low testosterone levels?

There are two types of hypogonadism: primary hypogonadism (testicular disorder) and secondary hypogonadism (pituitary/hypothalamus dysfunction).

Primary male hypogonadism, also known as hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, occurs when the testicles can’t produce normal testosterone levels. The pituitary gland reacts by producing more luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In return, these hormones dictate the testicles produce more sperm and testosterone. However, this isn’t possible if the male has a testicular disorder like damaged or missing testicles.

On the other hand, secondary male hypogonadism or hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is affected by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Once LH and FSH are reduced, testosterone and sperm production will also decrease. Common causes are congenital conditions like isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and Kallmann and Prader-Willi syndromes.

Acquired conditions like hypopituitarism, hyperprolactinemia, hemochromatosis, head or brain injury, kidney failure, alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, and liver cirrhosis can also cause it.

How to improve testosterone levels for better male virility

Low testosterone levels aren’t the end of the world because there are some easy ways to boost your male hormone and increase your sex drive. Here are some of them:

Get the right diagnosis

UK testosterone testing with Vitall and/or a visit to your doctor can help you get the proper diagnosis for your condition. Your doctor may conduct a blood test to determine if you have Low-T. The testing is best done in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest. You can also check your testosterone levels from home.

Testosterone Test

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Make the right lifestyle changes

It’s time to get active and stay in shape. Regular exercise of at least 200 minutes a week can improve your testosterone levels and sexual performance. You can join an aerobic class online, run or walk around the neighborhood, or hit the gym. It’s a great way to lose weight, especially if you’re obese and lack self-confidence in bed.

Another effective strategy is to switch to a healthier diet. Follow a high-protein, low-fat, and moderate-carb diet to boost your libido. Load up on carotenoid-containing foods, like carrots, oranges, squash, and apricots. They’re antioxidants that are linked to increased sperm motility.

Limit alcohol intake

Excessive drinking can reduce sperm production. It lowers testosterone levels and other reproductive hormones like FSH and LH. Limit or quit drinking alcohol, and while you’re at it, get rid of smoking and using illegal substances, too.

Discover your intimacy

Different factors turn people on. Try to assess yourself and discover what turns you on sexually. What do you find arousing? Do you like being touched? Do you want to be more adventurous by trying something you haven’t done before in bed? Talk to your partner about it.

While UK testosterone testing can help you check your testosterone levels, it’s still vital that you see your doctor immediately after experiencing symptoms of Low-T. Once confirmed, you can start taking the necessary steps and making the essential changes in your life.