KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Dr. Yaser S. Bassel, MD, is a board-certified urologist in Tampa, FL, who specializes in treating low testosterone.
- The primary goal of testosterone replacement therapy is to alleviate symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, and loss of lean body mass.
- Treatment options for low testosterone include topical agents, injections, and pellets, each with its advantages and drawbacks.
Introduction: The Urologist and Low Testosterone
Dr. Yaser S. Bassel, a board-certified urologist in Tampa, FL, practices at Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. In this article, Dr. Bassel shares his approach to treating low testosterone, focusing on improving symptoms rather than merely correcting lab test numbers. He also discusses the available treatment options and their potential life-changing effects on patients.
Low Testosterone: Symptoms and Importance of Treatment
Low testosterone has gained increased attention in recent years, partly due to advertising efforts by testosterone manufacturers. However, Dr. Bassel emphasizes that the primary goal of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is to alleviate symptoms rather than simply correct lab test results. Symptoms of low testosterone include low libido, fatigue, and loss of lean body mass. By addressing these symptoms, TRT can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life.
Treatment Options for Low Testosterone
Dr. Bassel outlines three primary treatment options for low testosterone:
- Topical agents: These treatments are applied directly to the skin, allowing testosterone to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Injections: Testosterone injections are administered intramuscularly, typically every few weeks or months, depending on the patient’s needs and the specific formulation.
- Pellets: Testosterone pellets can be implanted beneath the skin, providing a steady release of the hormone over a period of four to six months.
Each treatment option has its advantages and drawbacks, and the choice ultimately depends on the patient’s preferences and individual circumstances.
The Life-Changing Impact of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
For many men, testosterone replacement therapy can be transformative. Dr. Bassel highlights that TRT can positively impact not only patients’ energy levels, libido, and self-esteem but also their relationships with their partners, wives, and families. By effectively treating low testosterone, men can experience a renewed sense of vitality and well-being.
Advanced Urology Institute: A Leader in Urological Care
As the largest urology practice in Florida, the Advanced Urology Institute provides comprehensive care for patients dealing with a wide range of urological issues, including low testosterone. With a team of experienced, board-certified urologists like Dr. Yaser Bassel, patients can expect state-of-the-art treatment options and compassionate, personalized care.
TRANSCRIPTION:
My name is Yaser Bassel, I’m a board-certified urologist with Advanced Urology Institute.
Low testosterone at this point has come to the forefront a lot of times because of the advertising done by manufacturers of testosterone. But for men, the main reason for replacing testosterone is not necessarily to correct a number on a lab test, but to correct symptoms, mainly of low libido or mainly of fatigue, sometimes loss of lean body mass.
All those things can be corrected by fixing someone’s testosterone or replacing their testosterone. And we can do that with topical agents that are applied to the skin, injections that are injected intramuscularly, or sometimes pellets that can be implanted every four to six months.
I will say, for a lot of men it can be life-changing. It can change not only how they feel about themselves and their energy level and their libido, but also their relationship with their partner or their wives, and even the rest of their family for that matter.
REFERENCES:
- “Treating low testosterone levels – Harvard Health.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/treating-low-testosterone-levels.
- “Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728.
- “The Pros and Cons of Testosterone Therapy – WebMD.” 18 Jul. 2022, https://www.webmd.com/men/features/testosterone-therapy-pros-cons.
