Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes called impotence, is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. This can be a total inability to achieve an erection or can be an inconsistent ability to do so.
ED is typically caused by some underlying physiological issue. Some common causes include:
- Heart disease and high blood pressure - Conditions that affect blood flow and damage blood vessels can interfere with erectile function.
- Diabetes - This condition damages nerves and blood vessels, leading to ED. About 50% of men with diabetes will develop ED within 10 years of their diagnosis.
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome - Excess fat, especially around the waist, can increase the occurrence of ED.
- Smoking and alcohol use - Both lifestyle factors can impair blood flow and damage blood vessels.
- Certain medications - Blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and tranquilizers are common culprits. Always check with your doctor if you think a medication may be contributing to ED.
- Low testosterone - Low levels of this essential male hormone can lead to reduced sexual desire and ED. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age.
- Peyronie's disease - This condition causes scar tissue to develop inside the penis, leading to curved, painful erections.
- Surgery or radiation for prostate cancer - Treatments that damage tissues near the penis can lead to ED.
Diagnosing ED typically begins with a physical exam and discussion of medical history.
Blood tests measuring testosterone levels may be ordered. The doctor may also order specialized
tests to assess erections while the patient is sleeping. These tests can help pinpoint the specific cause.
Treatment options for ED include:
- Oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) or vardenafil (Levitra). These help improve blood flow to the penis.
- Injections of alprostadil into the penis to dilate blood vessels during arousal.
- Vacuum pump devices that draw blood into the penis to cause an erection.
- Testosterone replacement therapy if low T is causing ED.
- Counseling and lifestyle changes for psychological causes. Stopping smoking, losing weight and treating depression may resolve ED.
- Penile implants are an option for severe cases unresponsive to other treatments.
The good news is
most cases of ED can be successfully treated, so
men should not hesitate to discuss the issue with their doctor. There are many options to explore. With the right treatment, most men with ED can regain normal erectile function.
If you or your partner are struggling with ED, I highly recommend contacting the caring professionals at
Vital Hormone Clinic. Their expert physicians specialize in
hormone testing and replacement therapy to help restore normal sexual functioning. Vital Hormone Clinic uses cutting edge bioidentical hormone treatments to correct hormone imbalances that may be contributing to ED. Don't let ED impact your relationships and quality of life.
Reach out to Vital Hormone Clinic today to schedule a consultation and get your intimacy back on track.