| Abstract: | Male sexual function depends upon a complex inter-relationship between psychological, neurological, vascular and hormonal factors. Testosterone is responsible for the initiation, development and maintenance of primary and secondary sexual characteristics as well as having a role in male sexual behavior and potency. In adults, testosterone deficiency is associated with reduced libido and potency, infertility, lethargy and a number of behavioral modifications. This article reviews what is known about the role of testosterone on the mechanism of penile erection and describes the results of the experimental designs and animals models used in the study of erectile physiology. In animals, testosterone seems to have an action on some neurotransmitters of erectile mechanism, while in man, its role is mainly on the behavioral aspects. |
