Introduction:
The thyroid gland secretes the thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland secretes two hormones called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The thyroid hormones regulate many crucial functions of the body, such as muscle strength, breathing, body temperature, menstrual cycles, heart rate, body weight, lipid levels, and energy expenditure.
Triiodothyronine (T3) is produced thyroid gland. It is also produced from other tissues through the removal of iodine from thyroxine. Thyroxine (T4) is produced by the thyroid gland, secreted into the blood, and travels through organs such as the liver and kidneys. The thyroid hormones are essential for the differentiation of cells, help in protein synthesis, and regulate proteins, fats, and carbohydrate metabolism.
What Are Testosterones and How It Affects the Erection in Males?
The production of thyroid hormones results in the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH). The GnRH signals the pituitary gland to produce luteinizing hormone. The luteinizing hormone signals the testes to produce testosterone. The testosterone hormone is responsible for male sexual development.
If the body does not produce enough testosterone (male sex hormone), then the person might experience decreased sex drive and weight gain.
Low testosterone levels may affect sex life and cause erectile dysfunction. Testosterones are not the only cause of erectile dysfunction. The most common causes include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the hardening of arteries.
Low testosterone levels are linked to erectile dysfunction, obesity, and heart disease. Low testosterone benefits heart health, and high doses make heart disease worse.
Erectile dysfunction is caused by both hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Thyroid hormone imbalance can cause erectile dysfunction. Thyroid disorders can cause low libido. Once the underlying thyroid disorders are treated, the sexual issues are resolved. Thyroid disease leads to erectile dysfunction and other problems.
How Do Thyroid Diseases Affect Males?
Erectile dysfunction is the consistent inability to maintain an erection that is adequate for sexual intercourse. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a mild thyroid function with elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH). Erectile dysfunction is difficulty in maintaining an erection or intercourse. Erectile dysfunction becomes more prevalent when men get older. Sexual arousal is a process that involves the brain, emotions, hormones, muscles, and nervous system. The following are the reasons for disturbance in male sexual response:
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Decreased blood flow in the penis.
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Depression and anxiety.
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Low testosterone and hormonal imbalances.
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Obesity and diabetes.
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Sleep disorders.
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in which the thyroid gland makes fewer thyroid hormones. The symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, depression, and metabolic syndrome. Sexual dysfunctions have a detrimental effect on the quality of life.
Thyroid hormones can influence testosterone levels in the body. Thyroid disorders can cause low libido. It is also responsible for varying degrees of sex drive. The varying levels of thyroid hormones cause low mood, fatigue, and low sex drive. The following issues occur in men with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism:
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Ejaculation Issues -
Men with hypothyroidism have an increased risk of delayed ejaculation, while people with overactive thyroid have an increased risk of premature ejaculation.
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The Decline in Sex Drive -
A decrease in libido (sexual desire) is associated with thyroid disease. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have side effects in men.
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Erectile Dysfunction -
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to keep an erection. About 70 % of men with thyroid disease experience erectile dysfunction.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?
There are different tests that are used to diagnose erectile dysfunction. The following tests are done to diagnose the condition:
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Lipid Profile - The blood test measures lipids and cholesterol levels. It indicates the hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) that affect the blood supply to the penis.
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Urinalysis - The urine analysis provides information on sugar, testosterone, and protein levels.
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Duplex Ultrasound - Duplex ultrasound is best for evaluating erectile dysfunction. The ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves. These high-frequency sound waves are used to evaluate the hardening of arteries, blood flow, and tissue scarring. The test is performed both while the penis is soft and erect.
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Penile Biothesiometry - The test uses electromagnetic vibration to determine nerve function and sensitivity. There is nerve damage in the penis if there is decreased sensitivity to vibrations.
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Arteriography - The test is done in people for vascular reconstructive surgery. The dye is injected into the artery, and the X-rays are taken.
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Cavernosography - It is used in conjunction with infusion cavernosometry. In this technique, a dye is injected into the penis. X-ray is taken of the penis to view the venous leak.
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Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (NPT) - The test measures the erectile dysfunction of a man while sleeping. The man has five or six erections when he is asleep. The lack of these erections indicates a problem with the blood supply to the penis. In the snap gauge method, the penis is wrapped with three plastic bands of different strengths. Erectile dysfunction is measured based on which of the bands breaks first. In strain gauge method. The elastic bands are placed around the base and tip of the penis. When the penis becomes erect during the night, the band stretch measures the changes in penis circumference.
What Is the Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction?
The treatment for erectile dysfunction involves the following methods:
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Sex therapy.
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Oral medications.
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Surgery.
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Vacuum devices.
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Intraurethral medication.
Medication -
Medications such as Vardenafil (Levitra) and Sildenafil (Viagra) help improve blood flow to the penis and improve sexual function. The side effects of some of these medications include flushing, headaches, indigestion, nasal congestion, and visual disturbance.
Mechanical Aids -
Vacuum devices and penile constriction rings serve as erectile aids. The device is placed over the penis. The air is pumped out of the cylinder, which draws blood into the penis and causes an erection.
Penile Prosthesis Surgery -
Inflatable penile prostheses are implanted. These prostheses help them to have an erection whenever they desire. The penile implant consists of a pair of inflatable cylinders that are implanted in the erection chambers of the penis. To inflate the prosthesis, the man compresses the pump to transfer the fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders. This erects the penis. The prosthesis makes the penis stiff and thick, which is similar to a natural erection.
Conclusion:
Eating a healthy diet, such as a diet that limits saturated fat intake and includes vegetables and whole grains, usually benefits from erectile dysfunction. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing cholesterol, and exercising regularly, reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. Hormone replacement therapy in the form of patches, creams, and gels is also used if there is a low testosterone hormone.
