What is erectile dysfunction?
ED, or impotence, is a condition that can make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection that’s firm enough to complete sexual activity. It’s also common for men with erectile dysfunction to experience a low or nonexistent sex drive.
Approximately 30 million American men experience ED during their lifetime, and your chances of having the condition significantly increase after turning 50. While it’s normal to have a higher frequency of ED as you age, it shouldn’t be considered a normal part of the aging process.
It’s normal to have occasional symptoms of ED, but chronic dysfunction can negatively impact your intimate relationships, cause stress and anxiety, and affect your self-confidence. Having chronic erectile dysfunction issues can indicate other underlying health conditions, like heart disease.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
A man’s sexual arousal depends on a complex network of hormones, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves, as well as your brain and emotions. Issues associated with any of these areas can lead to erectile dysfunction.
There are also several physical factors that can trigger ED, such as:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- High blood sugar or diabetes
- Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
- Low testosterone (low-T)
- Certain medications
- Tobacco, drugs, and alcohol
You can also develop ED from stress and mental health issues.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed and treated?
Dr. Gaske relies on the most modern and innovative diagnostic tools available to accurately diagnose the cause of your ED and determine the most effective treatment. During your appointment, Dr. Gaske will obtain a thorough history and conduct a physical examination. Blood work and additional tests like cardiac EKGs may be recommended to evaluate your basic health and check for underlying conditions.
Based on her findings, Dr. Gaske might suggest a variety of therapies, including:
- Oral medications like Viagra®, Levitra®, or Cialis®
- Hormone therapy or testosterone treatments
- Medications or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy injected directly into your penis
- Vacuum erection devices
- Penile prosthesis
- Low-intensity shock wave treatment
- Surgical procedures, such as implants
Dr. Gaske might also make lifestyle recommendations to improve your ED symptoms. These often include stress relieving techniques, depression or anxiety management, and eliminating unhealthy habits like poor diet, drugs, alcohol, and smoking.
For more information on ED diagnosis and treatment, call Abbey Gaske, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.
