Health Library Hormonal Therapy for Erection ProblemsFrom Healthwise

These medicines are given as an injection every 2 to 3 weeks.

Androderm and Testoderm contain testosterone in a patch that is placed on the skin. AndroGel is a gel that is applied in specific amounts to the arms, legs, shoulders, or upper abdomen. The medicine is then absorbed through the skin.

These medicines can be used to treat men who have high prolactin levels, which can reduce the amount of testosterone produced by the body and may lead to problems such as infertility or erection problems. Bromocriptine and cabergoline are taken by mouth.

Replacing testosterone, if it is low, may increase a man's sexual desire, or libido.

Bromocriptine and cabergoline help to lower the amount of prolactin in the body. In some men, a noncancerous tumor on the pituitary gland causes the gland to produce too much prolactin.

Testosterone may be prescribed for men who have low testosterone levels. It is not recommended for men with testosterone levels in the low part of the normal range.

Bromocriptine and cabergoline may be prescribed for men with high prolactin levels.

Blood tests are needed to determine the levels of these hormones.

Testosterone may improve libido and, as a result, may improve erection problems (erectile dysfunction) in men who have low testosterone levels.¹

Bromocriptine and cabergoline may help restore sexual interest and potency when erection problems are caused by high prolactin levels.¹

Side effects of testosterone may include:

• An elevated number of red blood cells (polycythemia), which can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
• Painful enlargement of the breasts.
• Water retention.
• High blood pressure.
• An elevated blood cholesterol level.
• A rash or skin reaction from the patch.
• Increased risk of heart failure.
• Increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
• Increased growth of preexisting prostate cancer.

Side effects of bromocriptine may include:

• Confusion, hallucinations, and uncontrolled body movements, particularly in older men.
• Worsening of liver disorders.
• Worsening of certain mental disorders.
• High blood pressure.
• Infertility.

Side effects of cabergoline may include:

• Low blood pressure.
• Headache, dizziness, and vertigo.
• Depression, nervousness, and anxiety.
• Abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence.
• Dry mouth.
• Anorexia and weight fluctuation.

Side effects may cause some men to stop taking the medicine. Nervous system and mental side effects may linger for 2 to 6 weeks after a man stops taking the medicine.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

When considering hormonal therapy for erection problems, it is important to include your partner in your decision.

During the first year of testosterone therapy, you should receive a prostate examination, a PSA blood test, a complete blood count, and a liver function test every 3 to 6 months.

Although replacement of testosterone through injections or patches can improve a man's libido, it does not always improve a man's ability to have an erection.

Testosterone is not given as a pill, because it can cause liver problems.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Citations

1. Bella AJ, Lue TF (2008). Male sexual dysfunction. In EA Tanagho, JW McAninch, eds., Smith's General Urology, 17th ed., pp. 589–610. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: May 21, 2008
Medical Review:	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology/Oncology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.