Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man is unable to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sex. It is a common problem, particularly as men get older, and can be caused by medical, physical, or emotional factors. The good news is that there is a range of safe and noninvasive treatments that can help improve their sexual function.
Find out more below about ED and where to go for treatment.
Symptoms of ED
Most men experience erection problems from time to time, which isn’t usually a cause for concern. However, if ED is an ongoing problem, it can be distressing and could be a sign of an underlying health issue. If left untreated, ED can lead to issues such as depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction may include:
- Difficulty getting an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse
- Trouble sustaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
ED is not Age-Related
While ED is more common in older men, age alone does not cause the condition. There is a range of medical, physical, emotional, or a combination of factors that can trigger ED. However, several physical and medical factors are typically the main causes of ED, which include:
- Not enough blood flowing into the penis is often triggered by smoking, heart disease, or high blood sugar.
- An inability of the penis to store blood for long enough during an erection may be due to factors such as a venous leak or other impairment.
- Nerve damage which prevents nerve signals from reaching the penis from the brain or spinal cord. Can be caused by certain illnesses, injuries, or surgery in the pelvic region.
Other causes of ED can include hormone problems, medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, obesity, depression, or side effects of certain medications. Even if physical or medical factors are the root cause of ED, emotional factors, such as stress, anxiety, or depression can contribute to ED or make the condition worse.
Where to Go for Help
Usually, a primary care physician is the first point of contact when experiencing persistent symptoms of ED. This is to try to establish the root cause of the problem and to rule out any underlying health issues that may be contributing to the ED, such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Initially, the doctor will assess personal and family medical history, including looking at any prescription medications that are being taken and carrying out a physical examination. This may include a series of health checks, such as:
- Checking weight and blood pressure
- Examining the genitals for any obvious physical cause
- Checking the nerves for sensation
- Screening for any mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
- If there are other symptoms alongside ED, such as needing to urinate more frequently, the doctor may request to examine the prostate (rectal examination).
Other tests such as a blood test, urine test, or ultrasound exam may also be requested to diagnose or rule out other conditions.
Viagra is Not the Only Treatment for ED
The best type of treatment will depend on the cause of the ED. If it is due to an underlying medical issue, such as high blood pressure, your doctor will look at treating that first in order to try to alleviate symptoms of ED.
Other treatments for ED can include oral medications, such as Viagra, that aim to increase blood flow and relax the muscles in the penis, injections, suppositories, testosterone replacement therapy, and surgery.
There are also a variety of safe, effective natural therapies to consider for the treatment of ED, which can eliminate the need for medications (that may cause unpleasant side effects), surgery, or painful injections. These can include:
- Low-intensity focused acoustic soundwave therapy – a quick, non-surgical, and painless treatment that can help reverse the effects of ED. It uses energy from soundwaves to increase blood flow to the penis, break up scar tissue, and stimulate the healing and regrowth of healthy tissue.
- Man Shot – a safe, natural, sexual rejuvenation and enhancement procedure that can provide a number of enhanced sexual benefits, such as increased blood and nerve circulation to the penis, breaking up scar tissue, and increased sexual stamina. The treatment uses growth factors extracted from a sample of the patient’s own blood to stimulate new tissue growth.
- Penis pump – consists of a plastic tube that fits over the penis with a hand or battery-powered pump attached to the tube. The device creates a vacuum inside the tube, which draws blood into the penis. A constriction ring fits around the base once erect.
Erectile Dysfunction TreatmentNear Me in Florida, New Jersey, Illinois, Michigan, and Georgia
If you are looking to improve your sexual performance without the use of medication or surgery, visit NIVA Men’s Health. Our specialist men’s health professionals use non-invasive medical techniques to treat a wide range of conditions such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, infertility, low testosterone, and Peyronie’s disease.
To learn more about the wellness services available at NIVA Men’s Health, contact us at one of our convenient locations to get started. Alternatively, you can use our secure online appointment request form or sign up for a complimentary consultation to learn more.
