Erectile dysfunction, sometimes called impotence, is a common condition in male patients that refers to the inability to get or keep an erection suitable enough for sex. While it is normal to occasionally have trouble in this area, there may be cause for alarm if the issue continues. It can result from many factors ranging from mental health issues to underlying health conditions. Let us take a closer look at erectile dysfunction and how we can help.
Sexual arousal is a layered process involving the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Therefore, erectile dysfunction (ED) can result from factors inhibiting any of these.
Considering the brain is in control of the body, it is easy to see how stress or mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, can inhibit sexual performance. A series of mental events occur before an erection manifests, one being the relationship an individual has with sex and another being the circumstances that led them to their current position. Therefore, if the relationship is unhealthy or the individual is unhappy with their partner, the body may find it difficult to respond.
Many physical factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction. These can include heart disease, diabetes, obesity, low testosterone, prostate cancer, and more. Patients will undergo a consultation, which will likely include lab work. The healthcare provider will also review the patient's medical history with current and previous medication use during this time. That way, they have a full view of why the patient is experiencing erectile dysfunction.
Substance use can greatly affect an individual's sexual abilities, as can a sedentary life. Therefore, if a patient consumes tobacco, recreational drugs, or overindulges in alcohol, these are often great indicators of erectile dysfunction. Likewise, if an individual's activity levels are minimal to nonexistent, the blood flow will slow significantly, making it extremely difficult to get an erection.
A healthcare provider will order testing during a consultation to determine the source of erectile dysfunction. This will likely include blood work, urine tests, physical examinations, imaging tests, and psychological tests. The blood work and urine test (urinalysis) help identify medical issues that can only be identified in the bloodstream, such as heart disease or low testosterone. The physical examination involves carefully assessing the penis, testicles, and nerves to determine if they can feel sensations.
Imaging tests typically mean an ultrasound. It involves using a transducer, a wandlike device, to help the doctor get a better view of the way the blood is flowing through the penis and testicles by creating a video image of the blood vessels. Finally, the psychological test refers to having an open, honest conversation with the doctor regarding the patient's relationship with sex, when they noticed these symptoms, and what they believe led to them.
After reviewing the information from the consultation, the healthcare provider can construct a treatment plan. If there is an underlying medical condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, they will instruct the patient to seek appropriate care for said condition before trying to treat erectile dysfunction, which could simply be a side effect of the more serious condition.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four medications to battle erectile dysfunction: sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil. They work by increasing the nitric oxide in the body to relax the penis muscles, effectively increasing blood flow and allowing individuals to get an erection through normal stimulation.
Self-injections that include alprostadil involve using a fine needle to deliver the substance into the base of the penis 30 minutes before intercourse. This FDA-approved medication helps individuals keep an erection for at least an hour. Also, note that pain is minimal to nonexistent because the needle is so fine.
Suppositories, formally known as alprostadil urethral suppositories, involve placing a small suppository inside the penis shaft and locating the urethra 10 minutes before intercourse. The effects can last anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour.
For those with low hormone levels, the healthcare provider may deliver testosterone in gels, pills, or injections. Often, this is done in combination with other treatments on this list.
If medications prove ineffective, a penis pump may be recommended. It is a handheld device with a hollow tube for penis placement. Once appropriately situated, it will create a vacuum-like suction, enhancing the penis by stimulating its blood flow.
For those with no physical inhibitors, psychological counseling can help remove barriers that affect performance. These can include past trauma, a deeper understanding of sex and how it affects the brain and body, and more.
Erectile dysfunction is a layered condition that usually requires professional intervention to overcome. If you are experiencing this condition, do not be embarrassed. Contact our office for an appointment to see how we can help.
Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
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