Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is trouble getting or keeping an erection during sex. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sex problem reported by men to their doctor. ED may cause stress, relationship problems and confidence issues.
It is normal to have trouble from time to time, but if it is an ongoing issue you should talk to your doctor. Sometimes an underlying health condition can cause erectile dysfunction and treating the underlying condition can correct the ED. Treatment of erectile dysfunction aims to restore erectile function and improve a man’s quality of life.
Our urologists at Urology Clinics of North Texas are expertly trained in treating erectile dysfunction. Although ED can be embarrassing to discuss, we will treat your condition with discretion to make the process as comfortable as possible.
- Age (Over 50 years of age)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive drug or alcohol use
- Obesity
- Sleep disorders
Psychological conditions can interfere with sexual feelings and cause erectile dysfunction. Depression, anxiety, stress and relationship problems can trigger impotence. Treating those conditions may relieve problems with erectile function.
Doctors can usually diagnose erectile dysfunction with a physical exam and medical history. Questions your urologist may ask you:
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- How long have you experienced these symptoms?
- Have you had any recent life changes or major stressors?
- What medications are you taking?
If a chronic health condition or underlying condition may be causing your ED, further tests may need to be done. Blood tests and urine analysis can signal the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Occasionally an ultrasound will be performed to see blood flow.
After your doctor determines your cause for erectile dysfunction, he will first treat any underlying conditions that may be worsening your ED. You might have various treatment options depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction. Your doctor will talk with you to discuss treatment options that are best suited for your individual situation.
The most common oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction are:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Staxyn)
These medications all work to relax the muscles in the penis allowing increased blood flow. The medication does not immediately cause an erection, and stimulation will still be required.
Other treatment options include injections, suppositories, testosterone replacement and pumps or implants. Exercise and other lifestyle changes may also increase erectile function and be recommended by your doctor. Always be prepared for your appointment by writing down any symptoms, providing a list of all medications and disclose any recent life changes.
There can be many causes of erectile dysfunction. Age is a common cause of ED, especially is those over age 60. You can often restore sexual health by treating underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, diet or exercise. Psychological disorders, stress and sudden lifestyle changes can also cause ED. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine the cause.
Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence, is trouble getting or keeping an erection during sex. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sex problem reported by men to their doctor. ED may cause stress, relationship problems and confidence issues.
It is normal to have trouble from time to time, but if it is an ongoing issue you should talk to your doctor. Sometimes an underlying health condition can cause erectile dysfunction and treating the underlying condition can correct the ED. Treatment of erectile dysfunction aims to restore erectile function and improve a man’s quality of life.
Our urologists at Urology Clinics of North Texas are expertly trained in treating erectile dysfunction. Although ED can be embarrassing to discuss, we will treat your condition with discretion to make the process as comfortable as possible.
- Age (Over 50 years of age)
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Excessive drug or alcohol use
- Obesity
- Sleep disorders
Psychological conditions can interfere with sexual feelings and cause erectile dysfunction. Depression, anxiety, stress and relationship problems can trigger impotence. Treating those conditions may relieve problems with erectile function.
Doctors can usually diagnose erectile dysfunction with a physical exam and medical history. Questions your urologist may ask you:
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- How long have you experienced these symptoms?
- Have you had any recent life changes or major stressors?
- What medications are you taking?
If a chronic health condition or underlying condition may be causing your ED, further tests may need to be done. Blood tests and urine analysis can signal the cause of your erectile dysfunction. Occasionally an ultrasound will be performed to see blood flow.
After your doctor determines your cause for erectile dysfunction, he will first treat any underlying conditions that may be worsening your ED. You might have various treatment options depending on the cause and severity of your erectile dysfunction. Your doctor will talk with you to discuss treatment options that are best suited for your individual situation.
The most common oral medications to treat erectile dysfunction are:
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
- Vardenafil (Staxyn)
These medications all work to relax the muscles in the penis allowing increased blood flow. The medication does not immediately cause an erection, and stimulation will still be required.
Other treatment options include injections, suppositories, testosterone replacement and pumps or implants. Exercise and other lifestyle changes may also increase erectile function and be recommended by your doctor. Always be prepared for your appointment by writing down any symptoms, providing a list of all medications and disclose any recent life changes.
There can be many causes of erectile dysfunction. Age is a common cause of ED, especially is those over age 60. You can often restore sexual health by treating underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, diet or exercise. Psychological disorders, stress and sudden lifestyle changes can also cause ED. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine the cause.
