The Myth of Testosterone and Sex Drive
There’s no shortcut to good sex.
Despite a long-held theory among men that having more testosterone equates to a more robust sex drive, the proof of its impact on sexual performance is limp, according to new research.
The Rise of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
When the pills, exercise, and therapy don’t work, many desperate singles and spouses have turned to TRT to fix their lackluster sex lives. TRT was designed as a treatment for men who are diagnosed with testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. Regular artificial injections of testosterone are said to help patients improve libido, sexual function, fertility, and mood.
The Hairy Truth Behind Testosterone’s Role in Sexual Reproduction
An international team of researchers led by the University of California, Santa Barbara, has published a new study that uncovers the hairy truth behind testosterone’s role in sexual reproduction. Unfortunately, they found no significant link between testosterone level fluctuations and male sex drive, particularly in long-term relationships.
The Study’s Findings
The study included 41 men aged 18 to 26, either single or partnered, who had testosterone levels in the "normal" range. During the 31-day test period, participants submitted daily saliva samples and self-reported questionnaires about their sexual desires and dating efforts. Their data showed that only single men produce higher testosterone on days they reported an interaction with a prospective partner, suggesting that the body is priming itself for a potential mate – and competition from other males.
Contrasting Findings in Partnered Men
However, husbands and boyfriends who had regular interactions with their wives and girlfriends during the test period demonstrated no such shifts in their testosterone levels, despite experiencing typical male urges. "Testosterone and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in single versus partnered men," the researchers noted. Yet, they also observed "trends toward higher sexual desire among partnered men."
Conclusion
The new research suggests that testosterone prescriptions for treating low desire are not "useful" for men with normal hormone concentrations. The analysis shows that partnered men have just as much, if not more, sexual desire than single men – and only need the standard dose of testosterone to heed it. "These findings corroborate prior research in suggesting that men’s sexual desire requires only a threshold amount of baseline testosterone above which testosterone changes do not reliably affect desire," researchers concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
A: TRT is designed to treat men with testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism, aiming to improve libido, sexual function, fertility, and mood.
Q: Does the new study suggest that TRT is ineffective in treating low sexual desire?
A: Yes, the study found no significant link between testosterone level fluctuations and male sex drive, particularly in long-term relationships. The researchers concluded that testosterone prescriptions for treating low desire are not "useful" for men with normal hormone concentrations.
Q: What does the study say about the role of testosterone in sexual reproduction?
A: The study suggests that testosterone’s role in sexual reproduction is limited to single men, priming themselves for a potential mate – and competition from other males. In long-term relationships, there is no significant link between testosterone levels and sexual desire.
