Can Low Testosterone Cause Premature Ejaculation?

Testosterone is a vital hormone because it helps regulate sex drive or libido, sperm production, muscle and bone health, and even mood regulation. A high level of testosterone is often associated with increased sex drive. If a high testosterone level increases libido, can low testosterone cause premature ejaculation (PE)? This article will help you understand testosterone and its connection to men’s sexual health and functions. We will also explore the connection between testosterone and premature ejaculation. Lastly, we will look at some of the treatments available if you have low testosterone levels. 

Testosterone and Premature Ejaculation (PE) 

To better appreciate the relationship between testosterone and premature ejaculation, let’s talk about testosterone. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. However, women also produce testosterone in their ovaries, albeit in smaller quantities. Men start producing more testosterone when they hit puberty. Testosterone is responsible for developing masculine characteristics. We’re talking about an increase in bone and muscle mass. It is responsible for the appearance of facial and pubic hair during puberty. Testosterone causes the deepening of the voice among teenage boys. It is the hormone that supports the development of the penis and the testes. Testosterone also plays a crucial role in sperm production. A man’s testosterone level also affects his mood. 

Now that we have a better understanding of testosterone and what it does, let’s talk about testosterone and premature ejaculation (PE). Low testosterone is also called hypogonadism. It can indirectly affect ejaculatory control. Does low testosterone cause premature ejaculation? Testosterone helps regulate the neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for sexual arousal. These neurotransmitters also affect the sensitivity of the nerves in a man’s genital area. This reduced control over sexual arousal and genital sensitivity can contribute to premature ejaculation. 

What Causes Low Testosterone in Men 

According to an article from the Cleveland Clinic, normal levels of testosterone in men are between 300 and 750 nanograms per deciliter. However, determining the normal level of testosterone can be tricky. A “normal” testosterone level can vary depending on the person getting tested, body weight, the time of day, and the stress level of the person getting tested. 

There are several culprits that might cause low testosterone in men. The most common one is ageing. It’s mentioned earlier that testosterone levels peak upon hitting puberty. A prepubescent boy will have low testosterone levels. After puberty, testosterone production drops. This drop often happens once a man reaches the age of 30. According to an article published by the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, low levels of testosterone are present in up to 20% of all men over the age of 70. This doesn’t mean, though, that only men of advanced age should worry about low testosterone levels. The article also highlighted that as much as 7% of younger men also have low testosterone levels. 

How do you know if you have low testosterone? You can get tested. A testosterone test is a blood test. A testosterone test should be conducted in the early morning. According to the recommendations of Health Direct Australia, the patient getting tested needs to be in a fasting state. Take note that a doctor needs to conduct testosterone tests twice before they can come up with a diagnosis. It is also worth noting that the results of the tests are not enough to say that you have low testosterone levels. According to an article published by the American Urological Association, a patient can only be diagnosed if tests show below-normal testosterone results and if the patient shows symptoms or signs of testosterone deficiency.  

So, what are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency? Here are some signs a doctor should look out for: 

• Low muscle mass 
• Low sex drive 
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Development of breast tissue 
• Hair loss 
• Decrease in concentration 
• Absence of night-time or morning erection 
• Moodiness 

Risk Factors for Testosterone Deficiency

Aside from ageing, low testosterone levels can be caused by several factors, including: 

• Injuries to the male reproductive system, particularly the testicles. 
• Orchitis or infection of the testicles 
• Excessive alcohol intake 
• Obesity 
• Chemotherapy 
• Sleep deficiency 
• Type 2 Diabetes 
• HIV/AIDS 
• Cirrhosis 

Low Testosterone VS Hormonal Imbalance 

If you’ve read about premature ejaculation (PE) before, you might have some idea of its possible causes. Common causes include anxiety, stress, poor body image, and sexual repression. There are also risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing premature ejaculation.  

Risk factors include genetics and infection of the prostate and urethra. Unusual hormone levels and irregular levels of neurotransmitters can also lead to premature ejaculation. These last risk factors can cause a bit of confusion. Is premature ejaculation a sign of low testosterone? Yes. Is premature ejaculation a sign of hormonal imbalance? The answer is also yes. Since testosterone is a hormone, is low testosterone a hormonal imbalance? 

To answer this question, we need to know what hormonal imbalance is. Hormonal imbalance is a broad medical term covering a wide range of hormone-related health conditions. There are more than 50 types of hormones in the human body, including testosterone. This means that having low testosterone is a type of hormonal imbalance. However, having a hormonal imbalance doesn’t mean that you have low testosterone. It can be because you have high testosterone, low estrogen, or low insulin. To avoid confusion, be sure to consult your doctor. 

Treating Low Testosterone 

If you have low testosterone, don’t despair. It is not a permanent condition. Let’s talk about the various ways of treating low testosterone. 

The primary treatment for low testosterone is called Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). As its name implies, this treatment involves replacing or supplementing the testosterone in your body to bring it to normal levels. Testosterone replacement therapy can come in various forms, including: 

• Testosterone skin gels – This is a type of gel that you need to apply directly to your skin. It is also the most common type of treatment for low testosterone. When you buy a testosterone skin gel, make sure that you follow the instructions on the package. You also need to avoid skin-to-skin contact with another person since this will transfer testosterone to that person. 
• Testosterone injections– These are testosterone injections that you need to directly inject to your muscles every 1 to 2 weeks. There are long-acting injections that work up to 10 weeks.   
• Testosterone patches – These are patches that you apply to your skin daily. It needs to be applied at the same time as directed by the packaging or based on your doctor’s advice. However, don’t apply it to the same spot to avoid skin reactions. For best results, avoid using a spot that you used in the last seven days. 
• Testosterone pellets – This is a form of testosterone replacement therapy that comes in a pellet that’s about the size of a grain of rice. A doctor places the pellet under the patient’s skin. This is an excellent option for patients who want a long-acting treatment because a single pellet delivers a low dosage of testosterone for as long as six months.   
• Testosterone nasal gel – This form of testosterone therapy comes in a gel form but instead of applying it directly to your skin, you need to apply it to each nostril. You also need to apply the nasal gel thrice a day to achieve the desired results. 
• Oral testosterone – Oral testosterone is something that you ingest. It can be in capsule or fluid-filled form. 
• Buccal testosterone tablets – Although they are called tablets, these are not to be ingested. Instead, you need to apply these sticky testosterone tablets to your gums twice a day. Testosterone then gets into your bloodstream through the veins in your gums. 

Although there are various options for treating low testosterone, your best recourse is to prevent it. If your low testosterone is due to ageing, you can try keeping your testosterone levels normal by: 

• Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight 
• Eating a healthy diet. Make sure that your diet includes fatty fish, leafy greens, onions, and fatty oils as these can help increase your testosterone. 
• Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol. According to Australia’s Department of Health and Aged Care, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol is associated with lower production of testosterone. What is considered excessive amounts of alcohol? According to Healthdirect Australia, drinking more than 4 standard drinks on any one occasion is considered “binge drinking.” 

Conclusion 

Can low testosterone cause premature ejaculation? Yes, it can. If you feel that you are ejaculating too quickly and that you are no longer satisfying your partner, you might be experiencing premature ejaculation. One of its many causes is low testosterone levels.  

If you think that your premature ejaculation is due to low testosterone, seeking treatment immediately is beneficial. The only way to eliminate your doubts is to see a trusted doctor.  

Book a FREE consultation with the Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) for a definitive diagnosis. MHC is partnered with licensed doctors who will formulate an effective treatment plan to get your testosterone back to a normal level and help you regain control over your libido. MHC can also provide a custom treatment plan for premature ejaculation (PE).