What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. ED affects as many as 30 million men in the United States.
What causes ED?
There are many potential causes of ED, including:
- Reduced blood flow - This is often due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can restrict blood flow to the penis. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking can increase the risk.
- Hormone imbalances - Testosterone is essential for erections, and low levels can result in ED. Other hormones like prolactin, thyroid hormone and cortisol can also impact erectile function if imbalanced. The specialists at Balance Hormone Center can assess your hormone levels with advanced testing and create a personalized treatment plan to restore balance.
- Nerve damage - Damage from diabetes, surgery or injury can disrupt nerve signals between the brain and penis needed for erections.
- Medications - Blood pressure medications, antidepressants and others can lower libido and cause ED as a side effect.
- Psychological factors - Stress, anxiety, depression and relationship issues may interfere with erectile function.
- Alcohol and illicit drugs - Chronic and excessive use can impair sexual function.
What are the symptoms of ED?
The primary symptom is the inability to develop or maintain an erection firm enough for satisfactory sexual intercourse. You may still get partial erections, but not fully rigid. Other symptoms include:
- Difficulty getting an erection - Struggling to keep an erection - Reduced sexual desire - Premature ejaculation - Inability to orgasm or ejaculate
How is ED diagnosed?
Your doctor will start with a discussion of your medical history, including any conditions or medications that could be contributing. A physical exam will check for issues like nerve damage, hormone imbalances or vascular disease. Specific diagnostic tests may include:
- Nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) test - Measures erections during sleep - Blood tests - Assess hormone levels like testosterone - Ultrasound - Evaluates blood flow to the penis - Psychological exam - Screens for anxiety, depression or stress
What are the treatment options for ED?
- Oral medications like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra improve blood flow to the penis. They are often effective for mild to moderate ED.
- Hormone therapy can restore testosterone or other hormone levels back to normal ranges using gels, patches, pellets or injections. The specialists at Balance Hormone Center offer advanced hormone testing and custom treatments.
- Vacuum erection devices use suction to draw blood into the penis and maintain an erection.
- Penile implants are surgical devices placed inside the penis that allow erections when activated.
- Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, losing weight and reducing alcohol use can also improve ED symptoms. Relationship counseling may help with psychological causes.
Erectile dysfunction can significantly impact quality of life and relationships. But the good news is there are many treatment options available. Working with your doctor or the hormone experts at Balance Hormone Center can help determine the right solutions for optimizing sexual health and satisfaction. Don't hesitate to seek help - relief from ED is possible.