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impact of viagra during testosterone treatment

by Chris Steidle, MD.

As we all have heard, Viagra works miracles in men who suffer from erectile dysfunction as an isolated symptom but it doesn't do much for those who suffer from mood swings, lowered libido, irritability and other andropause symptoms. Specifically, it isn't an aphrodisiac, so it doesn't do much for the men who lose sexual desire.

Testosterone treatment, by itself, "can restore full potency in about two thirds of men suffering from andropausal symptoms, and restore the libido in over 90 percent, this leaves a third whose minds are, as one patient put it, making appointments their bodies couldn't keep."¹ What happens when men combine testosterone therapy with Viagra?

In one study of 100 men, aged 36-81, who had failed to fully regain their erections on testosterone alone, Viagra restored full potency in over 95 percent and it restored libido in another 95 percent. Viagra doesn't do much for libido but the added confidence of being able to perform sexually after taking it may boost enthusiasm for sex.² Furthermore, the dose of Viagra required for optimal results was less than in men who were not using testosterone treatments and the effects seemed to last longer. The only unusual negative effect experienced by the men taking both testosterone treatment and Viagra was a higher than expected rate of "flushing" that may have been due to testosterone's effect of causing blood vessels to dilate slightly.

The results of this and other studies suggest that men with symptoms of andropause who are experiencing erectile dysfunction might want to try testosterone treatment first for a three month period. Only if this is not successful in restoring sexual performance should they add Viagra at the lowest dose. Chances are great that the combination will resolve impotence in a very short time.

Last updated: June 2003

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¹ Caruthers, Malcolm, MD. The Testosterone Revolution. London: Thorsons; 2001, p.144.
² Caruthers, Malcolm, MD. The Testosterone Revolution. London: Thorsons; 2001, p.145.

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