It's time to talk about ED
Erectile Dysfunction impacts nearly 30 million men and yet most go untreated. Silence is not a solution so let’s start a conversation about how you can overcome ED.
What is ED?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is the most frequent sexual problem that men report to their doctor. It is defined as the inability to develop or maintain an erection that is firm enough to engage in sexual activity. Periodic problems with erections are not unusual; however, when these occasional episodes become routine it’s time for a conversation with your doctor.
What causes ED?
An erection is the result of a complicated series of stimuli and responses involving the brain, nervous system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system (hormones), muscular system, as well as psychological and emotional factors.
Even minor medical issues that impact any one of these systems can disrupt the chain of events and result in erectile issues. Most ED cases have an underlying physical explanation; however, anxiety can also be a contributing factor that intensifies the underlying physical problem.
Medical conditions that contribute to ED may include, but are not limited to:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stress/Anxiety
- Prostate cancer
- Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Smoking/Alcoholism/Substance Abuse
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
- Pelvic surgery (prostatectomy or rectal surgery)
- Peyronie's disease (scar tissue inside the penis)
- Neuromuscular disorder (Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, etc.)
- Prescription medications (including blood pressure, antidepressants, anti-ulcer, tranquilizers, and diuretics)
ED Treatment Options
Over the past three decades, the conversation about men’s sexual health has become less stigmatized. The result has been a surge in medical innovations that deliver real solutions for millions of men. These solutions may include natural remedies, medications, medical devices, lifestyle changes, and more.
The good news is that there have never been more options to help you achieve your full potential. Depending on your underlying condition, the professionals at Urology Health Solutions will develop an individual treatment plan for your ED based on the following options:
Low Intensity Shockwave Therapy
This state-of-the-art solution does not involve medication or surgery and has shown favorable results for as many as 75% of treatment patients. Unlike most other treatment plans, this groundbreaking therapy addresses the underlying condition rather than treating the symptom. Low intensity sound waves are used to trigger the body’s natural process of building new blood vessels (neovascularization). This increased blood flow often results in more substantial erections. Check out more about this innovative solution to see if it is right for you.
Penile Implant
A penile implant is a device that is surgically implanted into the penis and is one of the most effective treatment options for men with erectile dysfunction. This solution is most appropriate when there is a clear underlying medical cause and when the problem is unlikely to respond to other treatment options.
Oral ED Medication
You’ve likely seen the commercials on TV or social media, but it is time to have a professional conversation with your doctor about what medication can really do. Oral medication may be the first treatment option for some men, but there are many medications on the market and each one has distinct advantages. Depending on your sexual needs and other medical conditions, oral medication may be an effective solution for you.
Penile Injection Therapy
This is another effective method involving the use of medication to achieve an erection. However, unlike oral medication, these medicines are injected directly into the penis (often 5 – 15 minutes before the desired erection). Injection therapy is an appropriate solution for men who cannot take or do not respond to oral medication for various reasons.
Vacuum Erection Device
A vacuum device is a simple, safe, and cost-effective solution to achieve an erection. A tube is placed over the penis which is then pumped either by an electric or hand pump. The pump creates a vacuum which draws blood into the penis creating an erection. A constriction band is placed at the base of the penis to keep the erection once the pump is removed. This is an appropriate solution for men whose medical history does not allow for other treatments. It can also be combined with other forms of ED therapy. There are many of these devices available online that often have misleading claims and are unsafe/unapproved. Be sure to consult a doctor before purchasing or using any vacuum pump devices.
Natural Remedies for ED
Some of the most effective and long-lasting treatments for ED involve natural lifestyle changes such as weight loss, stress reduction, dietary changes, and counseling. These methods not only result in improved sexual health, but also enhance total quality of life. They frequently result in overall health improvements in related areas such as diabetes management, cardiovascular health, and much more. Natural solutions are regularly used in combination with other medical treatment options. Click here to explore how natural treatments for ED can work for you.
New ED Treatments
The past few decades have seen astounding advances in clinical research and therapeutic methods to treat erectile dysfunction. New treatment options are constantly in the pipeline as scientific research discovers new pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and less invasive solutions. Dr. Richard Lotenfoe and the professionals at Urology Health Solutions are at the forefront in urological health advances. For more than 25 years Dr. Lotenfoe has been offering the latest and most effective solutions to help ensure the best results for all our patients, including you.
Contact Urology Health Solutions today and let’s start that conversation about how you can overcome ED.