Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Sexual Interest, Function, and Behavior in HIV-Positive Men
January 1997
in “
The journal of sex research/The Journal of sex research
”
testosterone replacement therapy testosterone HIV CD4 cell counts serum testosterone levels erectile functioning sexual interest sexual dysfunction sexual satisfaction sexual activity testosterone therapy HIV CD4 counts testosterone levels erectile function sexual interest sexual dysfunction sexual satisfaction sexual activity
TLDR Testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved sexual interest and function in HIV+ men.
In a clinical trial involving 80 HIV+ men with low CD4 cell counts and low serum testosterone levels who reported reduced sexual interest and/or dysfunction, testosterone replacement therapy was administered for 8 weeks with biweekly intramuscular injections, starting at 200 mg and increasing to 400 mg at Week 2. After the initial treatment phase, 73 men completed it, with 67 (92%) showing clear improvement as assessed by the study doctor. Despite a 9% dropout rate, significant enhancements in self-rated sexual interest, erectile functioning, and overall sexual satisfaction were reported. Increases in sexual activity, including masturbation, were noted even though many participants were sexually abstinent before treatment. The study suggests that testosterone replacement can significantly improve the quality of life and vitality by restoring sexuality in HIV+ men.
