Table of Contents
Testosterone replacement therapy is a popular treatment for men with low levels of testosterone, a male androgen.
This androgen treatment is proven to be effective in helping improve symptoms of low plasma testosterone levels such as diminished sex drive, erectile difficulty, and decreased muscle mass and bone density.
But the next question follows: is it also effective in treating penile venous leakage—a condition in which blood leaks from the veins in the penis?
The short answer is a soft yes. There is some evidence to suggest that testosterone therapy can improve penile venous leakage, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Also known as venogenic ED, erectile dysfunction due to venous leakage is a subset of vasculogenic erectile dysfunction. Men are usually born with the condition or may develop it in childhood.
That said, the disease is treatable. And testosterone replacement therapy is one of the treatments that may help penile venous leakage.
Let us take a look at the TRT-venous leak connection as well as the association between this treatment and severe erectile dysfunction (ED).
What is Venous Leakage?
A venous leak occurs when the blood vessels in the penis can’t retain blood flow, leading to reduced sexual function.
The process of maintaining blood is critical for an erection to form. In the events leading up to an erection, blood is transported and trapped in the spongy tissues of your penis.
According to a study, 80% of men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction report being unable to store blood in their corpora cavernosa, where blood is usually stored during erections.
When the blood flowing into the penis is lower than the rate of blood flowing out, then your penis won’t have enough blood to sustain a healthy erection. A soft erection or a complete absence of one are the likely outcomes of such an event.
Facing erectile difficulties can be frustrating. If you’re presently suffering from this condition, contact a medical professional for diagnosis and information, and ways to gain improved erectile function.
Causes of Venous Leakage
Affecting more than 150 million men worldwide, erectile dysfunction is a prevalent disease that has a range of causes.
Curing erectile dysfunction requires an intimate understanding of how the person is suffering from it.
A few health conditions that can indicate venous leakage include:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Vascular disease
- Neuro deficiencies
- Stress or anxiety
- Prostate cancer
- Trauma
- Testosterone deficiency
- Side effects of certain medications
Symptoms of Venous Leakage
Venous leakage is characterized by a few prominent symptoms, namely:
- Inability to achieve a fully erect penis under any circumstance
- Absence of morning wood
- Soft erections which cannot be used for penetration
- Shortening of your penis
- Peyronie’s disease
What is Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?
Testosterone replacement therapy is a treatment used to replenish a body’s low serum testosterone level. Available in many forms such as injections, pellets, patches, or gels, this procedure can improve the signs and symptoms of low T in men.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that regulates a slew of processes in your body. It helps maintain bone density, fat distribution, muscle strength, sex drive, and sperm production.
However, testosterone production also decreases as you age. Every year after 30, your testosterone levels drop by 1%.
It may be due to aging or due to inherited hypogonadism, a disease that affects the production of testosterone.
Reduced sleep, lower sex drive, infertility, and weight gain are some indicators of low testosterone.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Venous Leakage
According to a series of medical reports, a slightly-altered testosterone treatment plan had managed to remodel erectile tissue and reverse venous leakage in the body.
From then on, studies were conducted on the relationship between testosterone replacement therapy and venous leakage.
Preclinical studies have suggested that androgens are important for maintaining the veno-occlusive function, with lower levels of androgen potentially resulting in venous leakage.
In another study with 29 ED patients ranging from 32 to 65 years, 20 of the 29 men showed marked improvement in erectile function after 18 to 30 weeks of testosterone treatment. This was also associated with the reduction of venous leakage.
While the results look promising, most of these studies are small-scale and not a result of a direct study. Until now, there has been no significant evidence that proves that testosterone can repair venous leakage with confidence.
Moreover, there are more direct ways to clinically treat erectile dysfunction. Speak to your healthcare provider before making a decision.
Risks of Testosterone Therapy
While they’re effective in a majority of cases, both short-term and long-term testosterone replacement therapies must be aware of the potential side effects induced by this treatment plan.
Acne, sleep apnea, breast swelling or tenderness, and high red blood cell count are some of the side effects of short-term testosterone therapy. Long-term therapy may carry additional risks that can be best addressed by a medical specialist.
Alternative Treatments for Venous Leakage
Testosterone replacement therapy may indirectly treat venous leakage. However, it’s not the only treatment option.
Venous leakage can also be treated with other ED treatments, including:
- ED therapy: The use of gels, creams, devices, or injections to help erectile health.
- Penile implants: Involves the insertion of a rigid or semi-rigid rod into your penis to enable erectile function
- Acoustic wave therapy: Sound waves are used for the regeneration and repair of blood vessels
- Ablation: Involves patching abnormal blood vessels to help restore erectile function
All these treatments have their benefits and risks.
But depending on your medical history and health conditions, your doctor may advise you on certain treatments which will help you regain your sexual interest.
Contact Ft. Lauderdale’s Top Male Sexual Health Center for a Medical Consultation
Venous leakage is a frustrating disorder that causes fleeting, short-lasting erections. And while testosterone replacement therapy may help treat venous leakage, it’s not the most effective solution.
Instead, you may opt for more direct ED treatments that treat venous leakage.
Testosterone replacement therapy has helped many men ward off the side effects of low testosterone, and it may do so in your case too. But that alone should not be a reason for opting for testosterone replacement therapy.
Need further assistance?
You can overcome sexual health conditions with various men’s health treatments recommended by health practitioners at Preferred Men’s Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale. This includes ED therapy, premature ejaculation therapy, acoustic wave therapy, testosterone treatment, and adrenal fatigue treatment.
Don’t miss out on any opportunities you can find to get the proper treatment and achieve a happy and fulfilling sex life. Give our team a call today to schedule your appointment.