RigiScan data under long-term testosterone therapy: improving long-term blood circulation of penile arteries, penile length and girth, erectile function, and nocturnal penile tumescence and duration.

BACKGROUND

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) presents with low serum testosterone (TT) levels and sexual and nonsexual symptoms. Erectile dysfunction affects a man's self-esteem and as a result partner relationship and quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the andrological clinical profile outcomes of testosterone therapy (TTh) in men (n = 88) with symptomatic LOH complaints and symptoms.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of TTh. In addition, penile length was measured at baseline and 12 months. We also evaluated nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT, using RigiScan) and blood flow of cavernous arteries (penile Doppler ultrasonography) at baseline and 12 months of TT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-eight LOH men (M 51.1 years) with erectile dysfunction, all with serum TT <10.4 nmol/L before TTh. Patients received intramuscular long-acting testosterone undecanoate for 12 months.

RESULTS

Following TTh, in all patients, serum TT levels were restored within 3 months to normal levels. Compared with baseline values, erectile function significantly improved at 6 (mean score increase 1.95) and 12 months (mean score increase 2.16). No significant changes in penile length were observed. NPT significantly improved at 12 months in terms of both the frequency (mean increase 1.27 times) and duration of rigidity (mean increase 5.12 min). As regards the blood flow of the cavernous arteries, we observed a significant improvement (decrease of 1.16 cm/s) and end diastolic velocity of the penile arteries.

CONCLUSION

TTh in men with LOH resulted in improvement of the erectile function, NPT, and to some extent the blood flow of the cavernous arteries.