Androgel - Side Effects, Benefits and Information

Wondering about androgel side effects and whether or not this topical solution is effective for erectile dysfunction? Many men have similar questions. This article attempts to answer them.

What is Androgel exactly?  It is a topical testosterone replacement therapy, available in pump form and in travel packets in 1% and 1.62% formulations.  It's recommended for men who have either low or no testosterone as a result of certain medical conditions.  It is not clear if it is effective for men who have low T for any other reasons, such as a natural part of the aging process.

Let’s start with the possible benefits....

Androgel Benefits and Application

Androgel benefits may be seen in men who have low testosterone levels. The gel contains testosterone, which passes through the skin and enters the bloodstream, raising testosterone levels. 

It is recommended that the gel is applied to the upper arms and shoulders only...not on any other areas of the body including the chest, scrotum, armpits or knees.  It is also advised that you apply the gel at the same time each day.

Symptoms of low testosterone include decreased energy levels, low sex drive and erectile dysfunction, although low testosterone is not the only cause of these symptoms.

Long term problems caused by low testosterone may include osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease accompanied by weak fragile bones, loss of stature and curvature of the spine.

Doctor administered tests should be completed to determine if low testosterone production is the cause of the symptoms. If the tests confirm low T levels, Androgel is one of the prescription solutions for increasing the level and could be effective for ED.

Potential Androgel Side Effects

Side effects may be more likely when the man’s body is still producing adequate or nearly normal amounts of testosterone. A variety of side effects have been seen in clinical trials and reported by men using the patches.

The side effects range from mild to serious. Common mild side effects include:

·       Skin irritation at the location of the patch

·       Dizziness

·       Nausea

·       Stomach upset

·       Headache

Less common side effects include vomiting, acne, hair loss and difficulty sleeping. Rare, but serious, side effects include:

·       Difficulty urinating

·       Enlarged prostate

·       Liver damage

·       Dark urine

·       Jaundice

·       Muscle pain or weakness

·       Swelling of the legs or ankles

·       Low blood sugar

·       Prolonged erection

·       Serious allergic reaction

·       Depression

·       High blood pressure

·       Nervousness

·       Breast pain or breast growth

·       Enlarged testicles

·       Anemia

·       Excessive sweating

Use of androgel and other testosterone replacement products is believed to be associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke as well.

A number of suits have been filed against the pharmaceutical companies manufacturing the gels. The men filing the suits claim that they were not informed of these serious risks before beginning to use the product.

Are Androgel Benefits Worth the Risk?

Cautious doctors would agree that safer alternatives should be considered first. Testosterone replacement might be viewed as a “last resort”. 

There are other new treatments for ED out there that might be a better option for you.  Those are definitely worth looking into because they are generally regarded as safer and may be more effective.

There have been some positive studies on the benefits of testosterone gels, but they weren't large enough to draw any definitive conclusions...and the side effects may just outweigh the potential benefits anyway.

So definitely speak with your doctor before considering Androgel treatment, as it may not be a viable option for you.  It will all depend on what is actually causing your erectile dysfunction...it may just be entirely unrelated to low testosterone.

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