Overview
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and male infertility can often have underlying hormonal causes. As an endocrinologist, Dr. Manisha evaluates the endocrine system to identify treatable deficiencies affecting male sexual and reproductive health.
Signs to Watch For
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire (low libido)
- Inability to conceive a child after a year of unprotected intercourse
- Changes in body hair or muscle mass
Causes
Low testosterone (hypogonadism), elevated prolactin levels, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disorders, and metabolic syndrome.
Diagnosis
Evaluation requires detailed blood work (Testosterone, LH, FSH, Prolactin, Thyroid panel) and often a semen analysis for infertility cases.
Treatment Options
Treatment is highly specific to the hormonal deficit found during testing.
- Testosterone replacement therapy (for ED/low libido, but NOT for infertility)
- Medications to stimulate natural testosterone/sperm production (for infertility)
- Treatment of elevated prolactin
- Optimizing diabetes and metabolic health
frequently asked questions
No. Exogenous testosterone acts as a male contraceptive and stops sperm production. We use different medications (like clomiphene or hCG) to treat hypogonadism in men who desire fertility.
Yes, diabetes is a leading cause of ED due to nerve and blood vessel damage. Optimizing blood sugar is a critical first step in treatment.