What is erectile dysfunction?
Most men have trouble with erections at some point in their lives. But how do you know when you’re truly experiencing erectile dysfunction?
The basic definition of erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. If this occurs frequently, it can put stress on you, your relationship, or your self-confidence, so it’s important to seek help.
Even if you’re embarrassed, talk to the empathetic team at LaSara Medical Group about erectile dysfunction. ED is both extremely common and immediately treatable. In some cases, erectile dysfunction is also a symptom of an underlying condition, which means that investigating the cause of your ED could be the first step to treating your heart disease, diabetes, or other similar condition.
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
In many cases, men with erectile dysfunction:
- Are unable to achieve an erection in the first place (impotence)
- Are unable to maintain an erection long enough to complete intercourse
- Have a general disinterest in sex or a diminished sex drive
In some cases, problems with ejaculation are to blame, such as premature ejaculation or the inability to ejaculate at all.
If you’re struggling with any of these issues, talk to the team at LaSara Medical Group about potential solutions. If you have diabetes, heart disease, or a similar condition, don’t ignore ED, as it could be a warning sign of other symptoms to come.
How is erectile dysfunction treated?
There are a variety of treatments for ED, depending on the severity of your condition, as well as the specific cause. The first step of treatment at LaSara Medical Group is determining if an underlying condition is to blame. This is done through a physical exam.
If an underlying condition isn’t to blame, treatment for ED is often based on medications like sildenafil or tadalafil, which increase blood flow and help relax muscles in the penis, allowing you to achieve an erection.
Other treatments, like intracavernous injection therapy or shockwave therapy, can also be effective. The team at LaSara Medical Group has treated more men with shockwave therapy than all the other practices in Southern California combined.
If you’re having trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, call LaSara Medical Group or schedule an appointment online today.
What are the common causes of erectile dysfunction?
In many cases, erectile dysfunction may be a sign of an underlying issue, especially problems with your heart, metabolism, or vascular system.
Some of the most common causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Heart disease
- Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Certain prescription medications
- Tobacco use
- Peyronie’s disease
- Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
- Sleep disorders
- Treatment for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
- Surgeries or injuries that affect your pelvic area or spinal cord
Psychological conditions can also play a big role in causing erectile dysfunction. Some of the most common psychological factors include depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. Stress may also be a factor, as well as relationship problems.
