Impact of Testosterone Solution 2% on Ejaculatory Dysfunction in Hypogonadal Men.

INTRODUCTION

Hypogonadism is defined as decreased testosterone levels in men. Hypogonadism can be accompanied by erectile, orgasmic, and ejaculatory dysfunction.

AIMS

To evaluate whether treatment with testosterone solution 2% (testosterone) could improve ejaculatory function in a cohort of hypogonadal men.

METHODS

Sexually active, hypogonadal men at least 18 years old (total testosterone < 300 ng/dL) were randomized to receive testosterone or placebo for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Effects of testosterone on primary outcomes were evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Men's Sexual Health Questionnaire, Ejaculatory Dysfunction, Short Form (MSHQ-EjD-SF) questionnaires. Treatment differences were calculated using analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

In total, 715 men (mean age = 55 years) were randomized to placebo (n = 357) or testosterone (n = 358). Most sexually active men who reported IIEF scores had some degree of erectile dysfunction (IIEF erectile function score < 26). Although ejaculatory function score (MSHQ-EjD-SF) improved in the testosterone group compared with placebo (P < .001), improvement on the "bother" item did not reach statistical significance. Treatment-related adverse events in the testosterone group affecting at least 1% of patients were increased hematocrit, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, burning sensation, fatigue, increased prostate-specific antigen, erythema, and cough. Few patients in either treatment group developed at least one adverse event leading to discontinuation (testosterone = 1.98% vs placebo = 3.09%; P = .475).

CONCLUSION

Hypogonadal men receiving testosterone solution 2% therapy experience significantly greater improvement in ejaculatory function, compared with placebo, as assessed by the MSHQ-EjD-SF. However, improvement in "bother" was not statistically different between the two groups. Testosterone therapy was generally well tolerated.