Erectile Dysfunction

When to see a doctor

Seeing a family doctor is a good place to start if you are having erectile dysfunction. See your doctor if

• You have any concerns regarding your erection or if you are experiencing any other sexual problems such are premature or delayed ejaculation.
• You have diabetes, heart disease or any other health conditions which may be associated with erectile dysfunction.
• You have any other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction.

Causes

Male sexual arousal is a complex process which involves brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem and damage to any of these. Also, mental health and stress concerns may cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Physical causes of erectile dysfunction

In most of the cases, erectile dysfunction is caused by something physical. Some of the common causes of erectile dysfunction include:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Certain prescription medications
• Usage of tobacco
• Peyronie’s disease
• Alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse
• Sleeping disorders
• Treatment for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
• Surgeries or injuries which affect the pelvic area or spinal cord.

Psychological causes of erectile dysfunction

The brain plays an important role in setting off the series of physical event which results in an erection. Various things can interfere with sexual feeling and cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. They include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
• Stress
• Problems in a relationship that are due to stress, poor communication, and other concerns.

Complications

Complications which result from erectile dysfunction include

• Unsatisfactory sex life
• Anxiety or stress
• Low self-esteem or embarrassment
• Relationship problems
• Inability to get your partner pregnant

Diagnosis

For most men, physical examination and answering a questionnaire is enough for the doctors to assess and recommend treatment for erectile dysfunction.

If you have a chronic health condition or your doctor is suspecting that an underlying health condition is associated with erectile dysfunction, then you may need further tests.

Tests for underlying conditions are:

• Physical Exam: This may include a physical examination of your penis and testicles and will check your nerves for sensation.
• Blood tests: Your blood samples may be sent to the lab to check for any heart diseases, diabetes, low testosterone levels, and other health conditions.
• Urine tests: As the blood test, urine tests will also look for signs of diabetes and other health conditions.
• Ultrasound: Usually this test will be performed in a specialist’s office. A wand-like device (transducer) will be placed over the blood vessels which supply the penis. This will create a video image of the blood vessels which will help the doctor to see if you have good blood flow.
• Psychological tests: Your doctor may ask you questions which will help to asses your mental health and other psychological condition which may cause erectile dysfunction.

Treatment

The first your doctor will do is to make sure that you are getting the right treatment for the underlying health condition which might be causing or worsening your erectile dysfunction.

Your treatment options may vary depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction and underlying health conditions if any. Your doctor will also explain the risks and benefits of each treatment option and will consider your preference as well as your partner’s preference.

Oral medications:

For many men, oral medications are successful for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. They are:

• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
• Avanafil (Stendra)

All these four medications will enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical your body produces which relaxes muscles in your penis. This will increase the blood flow to the penis and will allow you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Other medications

• Alprostadil Self-injection
• Alprostadil Urethral Suppository
• Testosterone Replacement

Penis Pumps, Surgery, and Implants

If medications are not enough or appropriate for your condition, your doctor will recommend other treatment options. Other treatments include:

• Penis Pump: A penis pump is a hollow tube with a hand powered or battery powered pump. The tube is positioned over the penis and then, the pump is used to suck out the air inside the tube. This will create a vacuum which will pull the blood into your penis. After getting an erection, you can slip a tension ring around the base of the penis which will hold the blood and keep it firm. Then you can remove the device.
• Penile Implants: These are surgical implants which replace the spongy tissue which fills with blood during an erection. These implants are semirigid which can be manually bent upwards or downwards.

The type of treatment option will depend on how severe your condition is or how well you respond to the current treatment.