ED and low testosterone

[Steve6111]

Hi, I have been trying to understand what is wrong with me and am at my wits end and would greatly appreciate any advice.  Had some trouble with ED going back as far as I can remember.  I am 28 years old.  I went to the doctor a few months ago and got my blood pressure under control, ruled out any medications I was taking by stopping them and restarting with no effects.  The blood pressure medication in particular does not interfere with this function, it is exactly the same or better than it was without it.  I got my testosterone level checked, and they didn't know exactly what they were doing because they only checked the total, and it was 443.  I thought I had found the answer to my problem, and I still believe that's what it is.  Researching this on the internet I found that is the average level for someone who is 60.  My problems seem to be testosterone related as well, like related to the sex drive and response and not the physical structures themselves.  And I was kind of late on some secondary characteristics like facial hair and never got any morning erections after my teens.  My other health problems (all of them) are also listed as possible effects of low t, like high blood pressure, depression, etc.  The doctor prescribed me Cialis, but I am not satisfied with that solution!  First, it does nothing to address my sex drive/response.  Second, it is only partly effective as is known for men with low t, and I feel like I cannot rely on it.  I would have to have it around at all times, and it takes a half hour to kick in, is expensive, etc.  The doctor I talked with last time (a GP) says that my level is normal but I strongly disagree because of the things I've read and the symptoms I have.  The range of values considered "normal" and for which treatment is not indicated should be revised, 300-1000 is the difference between complete sexual function and total sexual dysfunction.  Should I consider TRT and see a urologist?  Cost is an issue here, I have no insurance- and so is the side effects of TRT, which any man should be scared of.  However I am willing to do it if it is the only real medical solution for my problem.  Any thoughts/advice from those in the urology community would be greatly appreciated.

[bits1bytes2]

443 is within the normal range, but at 48 (20 years your senior) I am at 998 with TRT and 280 without it. My libido is definitely better and erections are still like I was in my 20's. So is it worth it? I say yes it is for me.

Now you mention cost and not having insurance. I have found that most TRT programs won't accept insurance anyway, only a few (Evolve is one) accept HSA or FSA spending accounts. And you will need regular blood work to check your levels and ensure you aren't messing things up more rhan you should be. Plus injection supplies and doctors check ups.... this all adds up very quickly. So if cost is a factor, this may not be right for you. The TRT programs are more expensive than they need to be because they price gouge on everything they sell, their cost for basic checkups can be upwards of $300 to $500 per visit. And their drug prices are outrageous, some charge $200/month for Testosterone when that same amount at a pharmacy would have cost $15 through goodrx prices.

It's a shame that GP doctors aren't willing to prescribe Testosterone or treat hormones issues because this all leads to a much better life and sense of well being, and that is our goal. If you can get a GP doctor to prescribe the needed labs and hormones that is your best route, but you can't skip the lab work, you must track how your body is handling the added hormones. I have battled with estrogen levels that were killing my erections, so libido was saying yes, she was saying yes, Mr happy was saying no way not today! And my blood pressure was sky rocketing from the imbalance. Now it was resolved but it took several weeks of lab work and adjusting hormones to get it correct. Also, once you start on trt, you will need to cycle off or take HGH to keep your testes from shrinking, add that cost to your total as well. And once your body is used to the extra Testosterone you will be on it for life.

Overall, I feel.better, but I'm 20 years older than you and I can afford it. These are just some things to consider.

[Steve6111]

My physical condition is good except for my blood pressure, mitral valve prolapse, both of which are controlled by metoprolol.  Sexual history is normal, except for frequent ED, very much not excessive.