The central hypothesis of this proposal is that a decline in androgen levels results in decreased action and contributes to the molecular derangements associated with priapism. Optimizing androgen status may promote regulatory molecular mechanisms that protect against priapism. This clinical trial will investigate the potential benefit of precise testosterone replacement for ameliorating priapism and improving psychological well-being in hypogonadal men with SCD.
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy on the frequency of recurrent priapism in patients with SCD. The sub-hypothesis that testosterone (T) replacement to achieve serum T concentrations at a target range reduces recurrent priapism will be tested. This aim will involve subjective and objective assessments of priapism occurrences and erectile ability including priapism inventory instruments, standardized questionnaires of erectile function (EF) and quality of life, and Rigiscan™ erection monitoring in a 3.5-month pilot investigation.
