Low Testosterone Specialist
Illinois Urologic Health Surgeons
Urologic Surgeon servicing Dixon, Peru, and Sterling, IL
Testosterone is extremely important for men’s health and wellness because it helps maintain sex drive, healthy bones, strong muscles, and much more. If you suffer from low testosterone, it can have negative effects throughout your body. The good news is that low testosterone is easily treated, and caring urologist Steve Y. Chung, MD, at Illinois Urologic Health Surgeons, which has locations in Dixon, Peru, Streator, Ottawa, and Princeton, Illinois, can help. Use online booking, or call the office for low testosterone testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
Low Testosterone Q & A
What are the signs that I have low testosterone?
Usually, you can see the effects of low testosterone in many ways, which can include:
- Reduced libido
- Difficulties in sexual function
- Shrinking testicles
- Low semen volume
- Hair loss
- Muscle loss
- Fat gain
- Depression
There’s no doubt that low testosterone can cause serious problems, which is why it’s one of the most common men’s health concerns with age. Although it’s normal to experience slow testosterone depletion throughout adulthood, you don’t have to suffer from low testosterone. Dr. Chung can check your testosterone levels and prescribe treatment to help you feel your best again.
How is low testosterone diagnosed?
In addition to reviewing your symptoms, Dr. Chung will also take a blood sample to check your testosterone level before making a low testosterone diagnosis. A blood testosterone panel test can be an important part of men's health exams whenever you're having symptoms like reduced sexual function as you age.
How does testosterone replacement work?
Your testosterone replacement for your needs. Methods include:
Transdermal
Transdermal testosterone goes directly on to your skin. It comes in gel, cream, liquid, and adhesive patch form. Usually, you must cover creams, gels, or liquids with a bandage to avoid accidental transfer to others.
Oral
Oral testosterone is typically taken as a tiny patch that you insert above one of your canine teeth. The patch releases testosterone gradually over a 12-hour period. There are also oral testosterone capsules, but capsules may cause more side effects than patches.
Nasal
Nasal testosterone comes in a metered pump, which you use in your nose around three times a day.
Pellets
Dr. Chung places a customized dose of testosterone pellets in your skin, usually in the buttocks or hips. The tiny pellets release gradually, to keep your testosterone level stable for anywhere from three to six months at a time. Pellet insertion is a quick in office procedure.
Injections
Testosterone injections come in several forms, including weekly, biweekly, and monthly. To keep levels stable, it's important to have injections on a strict schedule.
If you need testosterone replacement, Dr. Chung will discuss the different options with you and then help you get started on the treatment plan immediately. You could start feeling better in as little as a few weeks.
Dr. Chung and the Illinois Urologic Health Surgeons team want to help you overcome the frustration of testosterone depletion. Book your appointment online or by phone now.