Research

Hormonal

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) reliably improves global sexual function (libido, erectile function, sexual satisfaction) in men with functional hypogonadism in the short term.

If you are an older man with confirmed low testosterone and sexual issues (low libido, erectile dysfunction), TRT (specifically starting with transdermal gel) is the recommended treatment to improve sexual function. However, you must be screened for prostate health first. Do not expect TRT to fix weight, diabetes, or bone density issues. If you want children, do not take TRT; ask about gonadotrophin therapy instead.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
TRT is able to improve sexual function in hypogonadal men. ... TRT can reliably improve global sexual function in men with hypogonadism in the short term.
Giovanni Corona et al. · Andrology · 2020

Why this rating

Based on RCTs (TTrials) and strong consensus (GRADE 1), though long-term benefits are uncertain.

Source

European Academy of Andrology (EAA) guidelines on investigation, treatment and monitoring of functional hypogonadism in males

Giovanni Corona et al. · Andrology · 2020

DOI 10.1111/andr.12770

clinical_guidelineCited 398×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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