What is erectile dysfunction (ED)?
ED is a common male sex condition that makes getting and maintaining an erection long enough for intercourse difficult. Most men experience problems with erections from time to time. However, when erection problems occur routinely, treatment is needed.
A decrease in blood flow to the penis or damage to the nerves is the most common cause of ED. Over time, your inability to get or maintain an erection may affect your intimate relationship or affect your mental health, leading to depression or anxiety.
What causes ED?
ED can develop from many causes, including stress, depression, and other mental health disorders.
Your ED may also be an early warning sign of a more serious illness such as heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. These health conditions may alter blood flow to your penis or affect nerve health.
You may be at risk of developing ED if you:
- Are over the age of 50
- Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Have diabetes or cardiovascular disease
- Are obese
- Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
- Don’t get enough exercise
Finding and treating the underlying cause of your ED is one of the most important steps towards improving penile health and function.
How is ED treated?
The men’s health experts offer many treatment options for ED. For most men, oral medications are the first treatment option, which includes prescription medications such as Viagra®, Cialis®, or Levitra®. These medications work by relaxing the muscle cells in the penis, allowing an increase in blood flow.
However, 30% of men require additional treatments beyond oral medications, such as use of a vacuum erection device or penile injections. You may also benefit from penile implant surgery.
The men’s health experts specialize in this procedure and have the most experience, performing more penile implants in San Diego County than any other provider.
During the outpatient procedure, your surgeon places devices on both sides of your penis that are entirely contained within your body. To achieve an erection, you squeeze and release a pump in your scrotum, which allows you to control when and how long your erection lasts.
ED is a common health problem for men that requires medical intervention. For expert care from the men’s health experts at the office of Mike Hsieh, MD, call or click the online booking feature.
