Improved sexual function with testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men: real-world data from the Testim...

Up to 30% of erectile dysfunction (ED) patients treated with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors do not show improved sexual function, which may be due in part to low serum testosterone. Hypogonadal patients already receiving testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) likewise can still suffer from symptoms of sexual dysfunction. In these patient populations, augmenting with, or switching, TRT treatment may improve sexual function.

To determine if 12-month treatment with a testosterone gel improves sexual function in hypogonadal men, as measured by the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI), and in subgroups defined by low testosterone, PDE5 inhibitor use, and prior TRT.

The Testim Registry in the United States (TRiUS) was a large (N = 849) multicenter registry of hypogonadal men treated with Testim (testosterone 1%) topical gel and followed for 12 months.

Data collected at suggested visits (baseline; 1, 3, 6, and 12 months) included total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), BMSFI scores, physical exam, and body measurements.

TRiUS had 271 patients with baseline testosterone and BMSFI measurements. At 12 months of TRT, TT and FT levels significantly increased from baseline (P < 0.001), with mean ± standard deviation final TT = 17.37 ± 8.61 nmol/L (500.6 ± 248.2 ng/dL) and FT = 240.1 ± 296.0 pmol/L (69.2 ± 85.3 pg/mL). The mean total BMSFI score significantly increased from baseline at 12 months (27.4 ± 10.3 to 33.8 ± 9.8, P < 0.001) and at each visit in all domains (sex drive/libido, erectile function, ejaculatory function, level of bother), overall and for all subgroups. Regression analysis indicated that increased total BMSFI score was significantly associated with increased TT levels at 6 months.

In hypogonadal patients, 12-month administration of topical testosterone gel resulted in increased TT and FT levels and significantly improved sexual function. All subgroups studied, including men taking PDE5 inhibitors for ED and those previously on TRT, demonstrated significant improvement in sexual function from baseline scores.