Efficacy of androgen replacement therapy in patients with coexistence of hipogonadism and venoocclusive erectile dysfunction

Decreases in plasma testosterone levels cause not only fatigue, depression, but also sexual symptoms such as decrease in libido or erectile dysfunction (ED). Low testosterone levels can cause venoocclusive dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to show that ED could be treated by testosterone replacement in patients with venoocclusive dysfunction and hipogonadism. Data of 500 patients applied to our clinic with ED between January 2009- March 2012 were examined retrospectively for coexistence of erectile dysfunction, hipogonadism and venoocclusive dysfunction. International Index of Erectile Disfuncion (IIEF-5) scores and plasma testosterone levels of the patients were evaluated. Venoocclusive dysfunction was determined by penile color Doppler ultrasound. After excluding other causes that can cause ED, 37 patients administered testosterone replacement therapy for hipogonadism and venoocclusive erectile dysfunction, were enrolled in the study. After 6 months, IIEF-5 scores and plasma testosterone levels of the patients were reevaluated. After treatment, 29 of 37 patients (78%) were found to improve for ED. Patients with ED, hipogonadism and venous leakage should be kept in mind. We believe this condition could be treated by testosterone replacement therapy.