Urology Centers of Alabama since 2002 has consistently been one of the top five robotic centers in the world.
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Urology Centers   >   Conditions & Treatments

Low Testosterone

Low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, has gained considerable attention in both the medical and popular literature. Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles; it is the chemical in a man’s body that is responsible for his “maleness”. A man who has low levels of testosterone often times complains of feeling fatigued or tired all of the time, and he will usually tell you that his sex drive is low or even completely gone. Difficulty attaining good, stiff erections may, in part, be an effect of low testosterone levels. Some men notice a loss of muscle mass, or difficulty staying at the same level of fitness he always seemed to have. While there can be other explanations for these complaints, making sure a man’s testosterone levels are not low is important. Low testosterone can be treated, but the treatment needs to be carried out by a physician trained to do so, and the treatment needs to be monitored with periodic examinations and blood tests.

When a man comes to Urology Centers with complaints that indicate he may have a low testosterone level, we will talk to you about your symptoms, do a physical examination, and obtain a blood sample to measure your testosterone level. The ideal time to measure a man’s blood level of testosterone is in the morning; so, if you make an appointment to be evaluated for low testosterone request that the appointment is in the morning hours (before 10:00 o’clock is best).

If a patient does have low levels of testosterone, there are several treatment options. We will work with you to find a treatment that works best for you. Some men prefer to use medications that come in the form of a gel (or a cream); the gel is applied to the skin each morning and the testosterone in the gel is absorbed into the bloodstream. Another treatment is to administer the testosterone in the form of injections that are given either every week or every other week; this is a very reliable way to treat low testosterone and has been popular for many years. A treatment that has become more popular recently is the implantation of testosterone pellets under the patient’s skin. These tiny pellets are placed in the office through an incision in the skin of the upper leg that is about 1/8 inch long; the procedure is not painful, takes about 10 minutes, and needs to be repeated only every 5-6 months. Each of these treatments have their pros and cons, but there is an acceptable treatment for virtually every man who has symptoms because of a low testosterone level. The first step in treatment is making an appointment with one of our doctors to talk about your concerns.