The first of the two recent studies reporting risks with testosterone prescriptions, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by Vigen et al (1), was a retrospective analysis of a dataset of 8709 men in the VA health system who had undergone coronary angiography. Among men with testosterone concentrations less than 300ng/dl, the authors reported an increased rate of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths in men who received a testosterone prescription compared with men who did not.

For women, vaginal lubrication is an important part of sexual arousal. It readies the vagina for penetration, making it easier for the penis to enter and reducing any accompanying friction or irritation. Pain during intercourse is often caused by inadequate lubrication.

Yes, a decrease in testosterone levels can be a side effect of certain prescription medications, such as the following:

Sex headaches (also called orgasmic headaches, benign coital headache, or orgasmic cephalgia) are headaches associated with sexual activity. They can occur with intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, and anal sex.

It’s possible, but more research on this question is needed.

Anorgasmia refers to a problem reaching orgasm. Men with anorgasmia may have delayed orgasm or no orgasm at all. Finding a treatment for anorgasmia has been a challenge.

During sexual arousal, a woman’s vagina typically becomes lubricated, making it wetter and ready for sex. Many women find that lubrication makes sex more comfortable or enjoyable because it reduces friction and irritation.

However, sometimes women experience vaginal dryness. The vagina does not lubricate enough, leading to pain or discomfort. This can happen when estrogen levels drop during menopause. Vaginal dryness can also occur when a woman is breastfeeding, undergoing chemotherapy, or when she has been treated for breast cancer.

There are many things men can do to improve erectile function. Many of them provide other health benefits as well, so it makes sense to give them a try.

Side effects of testosterone therapy for women can include acne, extra hair growth, weight gain, and fluid retention. Some women have mood swings and become angry or hostile. In rarer circumstances, women develop deeper voices and baldness. Clitoral enlargement is another rare side effect.

Anorgasmia refers to an inability to reach orgasm within a desired amount of time. Some people with anorgasmia are unable to climax at all. Their bodies become aroused (a man has an erection, for example), but no orgasm occurs.

The term “dyspareunia” means painful intercourse. A woman may feel pain at the start of penetration, with trusting, or when there is deep penetration.  Pain may happen only with specific partners or in certain positions, or with all partners and all positions.

Vaginismus – now classified under the umbrella of genito-pelvic pain/penetration disorders (GPPPD) – causes a woman’s pelvic floor muscles to contract at the attempt of vaginal penetration, making the vagina narrower and tighter. These muscle spasms are involuntary, and women with vaginismus often have trouble with any type of vaginal penetration, such as vaginal intercourse, tampon insertion, and gynecological exams. Penetration, when possible, is usually quite painful and causes great anxiety. For some women, intercourse is impossible.

Autonomic dysreflexia is a dangerous situation that can happen to men with spinal cord injuries located at T6 or above. When autonomic dysreflexia occurs, the nervous system has an exaggerated response to stimulation below the level of injury. Symptoms include sweating, headache, nasal congestion, vision problems, and chills. Autonomic dysreflexia can dramatically increase blood pressure, which in turn can lead to stroke, seizure, and death.