Is it safe to use testosterone gel to increase male sex drive?

One of the causes of decreased male sex drive is decreased production of the hormone testosterone, as we get older. Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in the testes. Testosterone is responsible for stimulating sperm production and increasing libido. To get around this, most men choose to apply testosterone gel to increase their sex drive before sex. But, is it safe?

What is testosterone gel?

Testosterone gel is a hormone replacement medication that is used when the testosterone levels in the body are very low. There are many reasons for decreased testosterone levels, from aging to hypogonadal states, where the body is unable to produce enough of the hormone testosterone.

Lack of testosterone can cause fertility problems, erectile problems, and inhibition of puberty and the growth of reproductive organs in men. Low testosterone can also affect energy, metabolism and sexual desire.

After the gel is applied to the surface of the penis skin and is absorbed properly, the artificial testosterone hormone contained in it will help increase the supply of testosterone in the bloodstream.

Is it effective?

Reporting from Reuters, research by Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center found that testosterone gel was not only able to increase sexual desire due to decreased testosterone related to aging, but also in young men who experience decreased sex drive due to certain health conditions.

The study, which has been published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, involved 470 men aged 65 years and over who had low testosterone levels. The study participants were randomly selected and divided into two groups. One group was given testosterone gel for 12 months and the second group was given placebo gel (empty drug).

After one year, the researchers performed blood tests on the study participants. As a result, the study participants who used testosterone gel experienced an increase in testosterone from 234 ng / dL to 500 ng / dL. Meanwhile, the study participants who did not use the placebo gel did not change.

Does testosterone gel have any side effects?

Everyone reacts differently to testosterone gel. Some of the common side effects of using testosterone gel include:

Headache and dizziness
Mood swings
Nausea
Diarrhea
Changes in some blood test results
Difficulty urinating
Blood pressure goes up
Swollen hands or feet
Body hair increases
Weight gain
Baldness of the head
Enlarged breasts

If side effects persist or you experience an allergic reaction after using testosterone drugs, see your doctor immediately.

What you should pay attention to when using testosterone gel

Please be careful about using testosterone gel if you have kidney problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, liver problems, diabetes, epilepsy, migraines, and cancer.
If you erect too often, consult a doctor. Stop treatment to avoid injury.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including supplements or herbal medicines.
Tell your doctor if you will be having certain medical examinations. Use of this testosterone gel can affect test results (for example, in an antidoping test).
In case of an allergic reaction or an overdose, see a doctor immediately.
Use in the form of a gel can expose other people to testosterone if there is skin contact. We recommend that you cover or protect the area where the gel is applied to avoid unwanted side effects on others when skin contact occurs.
Testosterone gel should not be exposed to pregnant women. Be careful if your wife is pregnant.
During the use of testosterone gel, check with your doctor regularly so that your body's hormone levels and the progress of your condition can be monitored.
If you forget to use testosterone gel, it is advisable to do so immediately if the interval with your next scheduled use is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
When using it, let the gel absorb completely, then put on your clothes.
If any clothes or objects have been exposed to the gel, make sure you wash them immediately until the gel is gone.
Don't forget to wash your hands after you apply the testosterone medication.