Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

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Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, is the persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is firm enough or lasts long enough to complete sexual intercourse. It is estimated that impotence affects about 1 in 10 men at some point in their life. And, while ED is a common condition, it is not a normal part of aging.

ED affects about 1 in 10 men at some point in their life.

The occasional failure to achieve or maintain an erection due to factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, extreme fatigue or severe stress is common for most men at some point in their lives.

Persistent ED, however, is often a sign of an underlying health condition that should be addressed with your physician. The good news is that almost every case of ED is treatable and your therapy will be tailed to your needs.

Erectile Dysfunction is not just a part of the aging process, nor is it normal for a man to lose his erectile function as a result of getting older.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

In most cases, ED is caused by an underlying medical condition that should be addressed by a physician.

• Diabetes - Diabetes can cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels that control the flow of blood to the penis. This nerve and artery damage can make it difficult to achieve an erection.
• Vascular diseases - Vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure) and high cholesterol, can affect the blood vessels by restricting blood flow to the heart, brain, and to the penis, in the case of ED.
• Neurological diseases and spinal cord injuries - Many neurological diseases such as stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease as well as spinal cord injuries can all cause ED in men because of the interruption of nerve impulses from reaching the penis.
• Prostate procedures, like radiation or surgery.
• Low testosterone - Imbalances of hormones such as low testosterone can also be a factor in  ED. A deficiency in testosterone can cause low libido and low energy which can result in erectile dysfunction.  While improving low testosterone doesn't cure ED, it does positively affect a man's sex drive, which results in improved erections. Low testosterone is also associated with diabetes and obesity, health conditions that can cause ED.
• Medications - Some medications, including those used to treat high blood pressure, can interfere with the blood flow to the penis.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea - Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops for several seconds over the course of an entire night, can also lead to erectile dysfunction due to restricted oxygen flow to the penis.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Men experiencing erectile dysfunction have choices when it comes to effective treatments. There are a wide variety of treatment options available and your urologist will work with you to find just the right one for you. Dr. Weinberg will discuss the various treatments and answer any questions you may have about the benefits of each option, as well as side effects.

Men experiencing serious and prolonged sexual dysfunction, who have not had success with other treatments or cannot handle the side effects of oral treatments, may be good candidates for surgical treatments such as penile implants.

Dr. Weinberg will discuss the various treatments and answer any questions you may have about the benefits of each option, as well as side effects.

By talking to Dr. Weinberg candidly about your erectile dysfunction and medical history, you will be able to find a treatment option that works best for you. Get started on the road to a more active, spontaneous, and satisfying sex life by booking an appointment today.

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