Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Overview
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to hold an erection firm enough for sex. It’s not unusual for men to have erection trouble from time to time and isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. However, if erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, it’s important to have a candid conversation with your Saint John’s Physician Partners doctor. This condition can cause stress and affect your self-confidence that can impact relationship problems. There may be several factors that impact your ability to get and keep an erection, including:
- Underlying health issues such as diabetes or heart disease
- Peyronie’s disease
- Sleep disorders
- High cholesterol
- Alcohol or drug use
- Smoking
- Inactivity or lack of regular exercise
- Low testosterone
- Prostate problems or cancer
- Relationship problems
- Depression, anxiety or other mental health issues
Symptoms
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
If you’re having trouble getting and keeping an erection, have premature ejaculation or reduced sex drive, your Saint John’s Physician Partners can help. You don’t have to suffer and we can help. Make an appointment today.
Diagnosis
Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis
For most men, a physical exam and medical history of the symptoms are all that your doctor needs to diagnose erectile dysfunction and recommend treatment. Men with chronic health conditions might be involved and further tests may be recommended, including:
- Careful examination of your penis and testicles
- Blood tests to identify underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or low testosterone or other conditions
- Urine test to primarily look for diabetes
- Ultrasound to ascertain blood flow problems to the penis
- Screen for depression or other psychological issues
Treatments
Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
Depending on the cause of your erectile dysfunction, your doctor may recommend the following:
Your doctor will determine which medication or injection is best for you, these include:
- Sidenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Adcirca, Cialis)
- Vardenafil ( Levitra, Staxyn)
- Avanafil (Stendra)
- Injection of Alprostadil (Caverjet, Edex) is self-administered using a fine needle to inject into the base or side of your penis. Your erection will last no more than one hour.
- Urethral suppository of Alprostadil involves using a special applicator to insert the suppository into your penile urethra.
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may also be recommended.
- PT 141 is a synthetic peptide blend used to treat sexual dysfunction in men and women
A penis pump is a hollow tube with hand-power or battery power that works as a vacuum erection device. This device is placed over the penis and the pump sucks out the air inside the tube and creates a vacuum that pulls blood into your penis.
GAINSWave® is a medical device, and non-invasive procedure, that delivers low intensity, high-energy sound waves to speed up tissue repair as well as strengthen blood vessels and increase blood flow in the penis. Low blood flow is often the root cause of erectile dysfunction.
Penile implant surgery may be recommended if other, more conservative measures have been tried first. This involves surgically placing devices into both sides of the penis. These are either inflatable or malleable rods which can allow you to control when and how long you have an erection. Malleable rods keep your penis firm but bendable.
Specialists
