Testosterone is a hormone produced by the human body. It is primarily produced in men by the testicles. It stimulates the production of sperm as well as a man’s sex drive and is responsible for building muscle mass and bone mass as well as male characteristics including appearance. It is also responsible for normal growth and development of the male sex organs and sexual function. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus regulate testosterone production by testicles.

What are the functions of testosterone in men?

Testosterone is vital to the male body because it is responsible for countless functions that contribute to good health. The following are some of the functions of testosterone:

• Growth and function of male sex organs including prostate
• Maintaining sex drive and sexual function
• Development and distribution of facial, chest, and other male body hair
• Development of muscle mass and strength
• Distribution of fat
• Maintaining energy level
• Maintaining bone strength

What are the causes of low testosterone level in men?

The production of testosterone begins to fall after the age of 30, with an average loss of 1% per year. This is a normal loss with aging in all men. However, a variety of medical conditions contributes to low testosterone levels in men. The following are some of the other causes for falling testosterone level in men:

• Genetic causes
• Hormonal disorders
• Metabolic disorders
• Injury to the testicles.
• Testicular cancer.
• Prolactinoma in the pituitary gland

• Autoimmune diseases

• Chronic obstructive lung disease
• Chronic liver or kidney disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Infection
• HIV/AIDS
• Obesity

What are the symptoms of low testosterone level?

Low Testosterone produces a variety of symptoms. The following are some of them:

• Low energy
• Low sex drive or libido
• Increased body fat
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
• Emotional changes
• Trouble concentrating
• Increased hair loss
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Decreased motivation
• Low self-confidence
• Depression

Some of the above symptoms might be due to other medical conditions, so it is important to check your testosterone level for a proper diagnosis.

What are the treatments available for low testosterone level?

Testosterone therapy or supplementation is the preferred treatment method recommended by doctors to increase testosterone level or to alleviate your symptoms. This therapy can be delivered in the following forms:

• Testosterone injections
• Testosterone pellets
• Testosterone patches
• Testosterone gel

You doctor might also recommend one of the following other treatment options:

• Erectile dysfunction medications.
• Losing weight
• Exercising more

If you are experiencing any low testosterone symptoms, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis with a simple blood test. The doctor will formulate an appropriate treatment plan based on the diagnosis.

Causes of erectile dysfunction

While sex is an enjoyable act and a stress reliever, ED can make sex a stressful task for people with depression, stress, fatigue, and sleep disorders. There are several other possible physical, medical, and emotional causes for ED. The following are some of the possible causes:

• Atherosclerosis or clogged blood vessels
• Hypertension
• Low testosterone levels
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Hyperlipidemia
• Metabolic syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Injuries
• Obesity or overweight
• Relationship problems
• Age
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Drug use
• Alcohol use
• Smoking

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction

The following symptoms persist for more than three months if you have erectile dysfunction:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Difficulty maintaining an erection during sexual activities
• Loss of libido (losing interest in sex)

Consult your doctor if you have any of the above symptoms lasting for more than more months. Your doctor will find out the underlying cause by appropriate diagnostic technique and formulate the required treatment plan.

Diagnosis of erectile dysfunction

Once you consult a doctor, he will ask you to explain your symptoms and your medical history. He/she will conduct physical exam including testicles and penis. The doctor will also check your prostate by digital rectal exam. The doctor will carry out some blood, urine, and other tests to determine if your symptoms are caused by low testosterone, diabetes, heart problems, or other underlying causes.

The doctor may conduct nocturnal penile tumescence test (NPT) or ‘postage stamp test to establish the quality of your nocturnal erections. Nocturnal erections are penile erections that occur while you are sleeping.

Lifestyle changes can prevent erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can possibly be prevented by avoiding some bad habits and opting for a healthy lifestyle. ED is many times related to problems with your blood flow, so maintaining your blood vessel health through exercise and a healthy diet may help reduce your risk for ED.

• Regular exercise
• Nutritious and balanced diet
• Maintain a low blood pressure
• Control obesity if you are overweight
• Avoid alcohol and smoking
• Reduce your stress and anxiety

Treatments for erectile dysfunction

There are many treatments available for erectile dysfunction and most men will find an appropriate treatment option to help them. The following are the treatments available:

• Oral medication
• Topical medication
• Injected medication
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
• Penis pump
• Penile implants
• Vascular surgery

 The purpose of this informational article is to let all men know that erectile dysfunction is a treatable medical condition. Don’t feel embarrassed or shy to discuss your problem with a doctor, as most doctors know how to make you comfortable while discussing your problem. Go ahead and get appropriate treatment to solve your problem.

Genital Herpes:
Genital herpes is a common STD caused by herpes simplex virus or HSV. This is caused by having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an affected person. Affected people have outbreaks of lesions looking like blisters around skin membranes of their genitals, rectum or mouth. These lesions can break open and become painful sores that take a long time to heal. Your doctor can prescribe medicines that help prevent and shorten outbreaks and ease the pain, as there is no permanent cure.

Syphilis:
Syphilis infection is caused by bacteria during vaginal, anal or oral sex. The symptoms appear in the form of sores on the genitals, lips, and in the mouth and later a skin rash develops. The rash appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet sometimes. Symptoms appear 90 days after exposure to syphilis bacteria. The infection can last for weeks or even years. If untreated, syphilis can cause serious health problems such as brain damage, paralysis, blindness, and dementia.

Chlamydia:
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that occurs in your genital tract. This disease occurs three weeks after exposure to the bacteria without any symptoms. Lower abdominal pain, discharge from the penis or vagina, and burning during urination are some signs of the disease. Chlamydia spreads through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth or anus of an infected person. If untreated, Chlamydia can lead to serious health problems.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
HPV is one of the most common sexually-transmitted infections. Most sexually active persons will have HPV at some point. You can get this infection through vaginal, anal, or oral sex as well as skin contact. There are several types of HPV, most of them are harmless without any symptoms, and they heal on their own over a period of time. Some types of HPV are known to cause genital warts, mouth and throat infection.

Gonorrhea:
Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that affects the genital tract. Gonorrhea spreads through sexual contact with the penis, vagina, mouth or anus of an infected person. The symptoms appear in about 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. Most people with gonorrhea have mild or no symptoms, but symptoms in some people are bloody discharge from the penis or vagina and painful sensation while urinating. Gonorrhea can also develop in the urethra, mouth, throat, eyes, and anus. Without treatment, gonorrhea can lead to serious health problems.

Trichomoniasis:
Trichomoniasis comes from anaerobic, flagellated protozoan parasite that passes from one person to another during sex. Most of the affected people don’t have symptoms. Some signs of the disease are itching or burning during urination, discharge from the penis or the vagina. These symptoms may come and go.

HIV/AIDS:
AIDS is caused by HIV or human immunodeficiency virus. HIV enters the body and attacks the immune system and destroys infection-fighting white blood cells. People with HIV infection develop serious diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis. It spreads from person to person through blood or semen during vaginal and anal sex and sharing needles or syringes with an infected person. As there are no early symptoms, one needs to take a screening test for diagnosis. AIDS is not curable, but treatment is available to help affected people live longer and maintain an active life.

STD testing is important because of the fact that some STDs show symptoms and some don’t. After reading the above article, if you had unprotected sex and think you might have been infected with an STD, please consult your doctor right away and take a test.

• Reduces stress. Kissing helps lower the stress hormone cortisol and buffers an individual against the psychological effects of stress.
• Lowers blood pressure: It helps lower your blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. Kissing also increases heart rate, which pumps more blood reducing blood pressure.
• Relieve cramps and headaches: Kissing dilates blood vessels, which can help reduce cramps and relieve pain including headaches.
• Helps teeth and fights cavities: Kissing leads to increased saliva production, which helps wash away cavity-forming germs, remove plaque, and protect teeth from acid attacks.
• Burns calories: Vigorous kissing can help burn some calories, but not as much as when you exercise or workout.
• Release your happy hormones: The happy hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin are released by kissing leading to a feeling of a high and immense happiness. It also strengthens you bond with your partner.
• Boosts the self-esteem: Kissing helps boost your self-esteem.  A research study showed that men who got a good bye kiss before leaving for work are happier and motivated to be more productive. A kiss and a feeling of being loved and cared for make people happier leading to enhanced self-esteem.
• Tones facial muscles: Kissing makes neck, jawline, and other facial muscles act and shape up leading to their toning up. It also increases the blood circulation throughout the face making you look younger.
• Improves relationship and compatibility: Kissing facilitates the subconscious appraisal of a potential mate and assesses compatibility factors. Kissing strengthens feelings of attachment and increases the feeling of relationship satisfaction.