General Information

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is characterized by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. It can also involve reduced sexual desire and difficulty achieving orgasm.

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction:

• Inability to have an erection
• Reduced sexual desire
• Difficulty in maintaining an erection
• Trouble achieving orgasm
• Low self-esteem due to ED

Physical Causes of ED:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Vascular disease
• Alcoholism or substance abuse
• Physical injuries to the pelvic area
• Peyronie’s disease
• Use of tobacco
• Certain medications (e.g., anti-hypertensives, anti-depressants, diuretics, beta-blockers)

Psychological Causes of ED:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Other mental health conditions

Diagnosis

To diagnose erectile dysfunction, your doctor will review your medical history and conduct a physical examination.

Additional tests may include:

• Blood Tests: To check for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or low testosterone.
• Urine Tests: To look for signs of underlying health conditions.
• Ultrasound: To examine blood flow to the penis.
• Psychological Assessment: To identify emotional or psychological factors.

Treatment

Treatment for ED depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Lifestyle Changes: Improving diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.
• Therapy: Counseling or therapy for psychological causes.
• Medications: Oral pills called phosphodiesterase inhibitors (e.g., Viagra, Cialis) are the first-line option for treating ED.
• Vacuum Erection Devices: A manual vacuum pump to help achieve an erection.
• Injection Therapy: A medication (e.g., Trimix or Bimix) is injected directly into the penis to help achieve an erection
• Surgery: Penile implants for severe cases of ED refractory to all other options.

Our urologists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.