34 yrs old, symptoms of low test?

[187Chor]

I am 34 yrs old, for the past couple years I feel as if I get erect less frequently, and also less spontaneously.
When I do get erect, it's not as hard as I remember it from years ago. It also doesn't stay up as much longer. From what I read online this could be the effects of low testosterone , but I can't say I have much lower sex drive, I am still horny all day, at least mentally if not physically. Have also noticed a decrease in muscle mass, although I haven't been working out in a year.. Have also increased body fat, but like I said I haven't worked out in a year, and I eat crap.
Had blood work done, and the doctor said my testosterone levels are kind of low but within acceptable range. Not sure what acceptable is? Should also mention that a few years back I might have suffered trauma to my testicles due to rough sex, for a few months I had discomfort and sometimes pain in my balls, and if I ejaculated there was blood mixed with semen. The doc said that was not abnormal if I had some trauma. An ultrasound revealed no abnormalities, and the doc said im fine.. I no longer have blood in my ejaculate but I'm wondering if this might have contributed to a drop in test levels. This happened 5 years ago, so maybe it's just a coincidence that after that I started feeling these symptoms I first mentioned in this post.
I have considered using injectable test-enathanate 250mg/ml and my plan would be to do 1ml once per week. Is anyone on here doing a similar treatment or have done something similar in the past? how were your results/effects positive and negative?
I do intend to get back into the gym but that's not why I intend to do this, I mostly care about an improved sex life.

[kelkel]

Sorry about your issues Chor. And everyone here is on testosterone in one form or another. First thing you need to do is get a copy of your blood work and review it. If not comfortable doing it yourself we can help you. Many docs will tell you that you are fine just because you are in range, which is ridiculous. Your T could be barely "in range" which satisfies the doctor but not the patient. That means they're treating you like a number, not a person and by your symptoms.

If the blood work you have is not sufficient then take a look at the Finding A Doc sticky threat at the top of this forum and get the first set of BW in it. This will cover all the bases and help direct you to where the actual problem is. Many things can cause low T such as hypothyrodism, cortisol or prolactin issues, trauma as you referenced or even pathologies. Your goal should be to find the problem and fix it. I strongly doubt it's idiopathic at your age.

When it comes to Test Enanthate at 250 mgs per week, you need to hold off as stated above and find the issue. Taking exogenous test will shut down what's left of your natural production as your body senses it does not need to produce it any further. On top of that, 250 mgs is above even high end TRT. A normal starting dose is around 100 mgs per week. More is not better here. Better is better.

Also google and take the Adam Questionnaire and see how you do. Let us know.

[187Chor]

Thanks for the swift reply.

I am going to visit my doc again and obtain the #'s from the blood work for you to interpret.

When you say taking exogenous test will shut down natural production, will this mean my balls will shrink while I am on a cycle or therapy? Also will it cause decrease in sperm count? I want to have kids!

If 250mg is too high a dose, I'd assume that half (.5ml/week) would be acceptable? I didn't want to do too little and not see any of the effects I am hoping for.

How soon would I see any changes once starting? I am tempted to try it out for a two weeks just as an experiment. Is this too short a time to notice any change, and what are the chances of long term negative effects on my body by using test for a couple weeks?

[kelkel]

Yes, testicals can atrophy and sperm counts can drop which is why HCG is an integral part of any TRT protocol. That said, you seem to be more intent on initiating TRT on your own, which is a real bad idea, instead of finding the problem, correcting it and restoring solid T levels.

When it comes to how much testosterone is needed, that can only be answered via routine BW. Normally a protocol is started and BW is then obtained in about 6 weeks to check levels and make titrations. A normal starting dose would be about 100 mgs per week. It's always easier and safer to start low and titrate up if needed based on BW. The goal is to restore healthy, youthful levels without needing ancillaries if possible. And a two week trial would do nothing for you as it doesn't work that quickly. It can take months to dial in and realize the benefits of a good protocol. You don't try it to see how it feels. You're shutting down your Hypothalimic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis. Don't take it lightly.

Seriously Chor, find the issue and correct it.

[187Chor]

Thank you for the advice.
I will consult my physician