It can be difficult to talk about erectile dysfunction with your partner or even your doctor. It doesn’t have to be that way because erectile dysfunction, which can cause sexual problems for men, has a high rate of occurrence and is highly treatable.
About half of men over 40 years old are affected. Erectile dysfunction can have both physical and psychological causes. Most often, both are involved. Help is available.
We use a multidisciplinary method to identify the causes of erectile problems and the link between them and other health concerns. We work with colleagues in different fields of medicine to provide the best possible care for our patients.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (also known as impotence, ED) is the inability of a man to maintain or achieve an erection sufficient for sexual activity. Most cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable.
Men with erectile dysfunction are often reluctant to seek treatment. This is the main barrier to full sexual function.
What are the risks factors of erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is often caused by more than one factor. Blood flow issues, nerve damage, and muscle and artery damage can all be caused by many diseases.
These diseases include hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, blocked arteries, heart and blood vessel disease, high triglycerides, and chronic kidney disease. Other causes may include:
- Nerve Injury: The spinal cord, penis, prostate, bladder, or pelvis could have suffered a physical injury. This group includes men who have undergone radiation or surgery for prostate cancer.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle: This includes smoking, excessive drinking, obesity, and not exercising.
- Mental Health: Stress, depression, and anxiety around sexual failure are all factors that can lead to erectile malfunction.
- Medication: Some medicines, including antidepressants, can cause sexual side effects.
- Hormones Low levels of testosterone in men can cause erectile dysfunction.
What is the treatment for erectile dysfunction?
Urology provides a wide range of advanced medical and surgical options for treating erectile dysfunction. The department’s treatment is based on personalized care.
We listen to the patient and their partner to understand the root cause and then work together to find the best treatment for the patient.
- PDE-5 Inhibitors: These medicines relax the muscle cells of the penis to increase blood flow.
- Vacuum Erection Device: This device pulls blood to the penis, causing an erection. An elastic ring is placed at the base to maintain the erection.
- Injection Therapy: Doctors inject medications directly into the side penis using a small needle. This allows blood to flow through the muscle and is highly effective.
- Our experienced doctors perform minimally invasive penile implant surgery. In six to eight weeks, most patients regain full sexual function. Yale Medicine Urology is experienced in both standard and complex penile implants.
Many patients experience improvement after identifying a minor physical issue.
What else do you need to know about ED?
The misconceptions about erectile dysfunction are also very common. Erectile dysfunction, for example, is not always a sign of aging. It can be the result of other physical problems.
You should also know that alcohol will not help you to maintain an erection. Alcohol abuse can cause erectile problems.
Erectile dysfunction doesn’t have to be something you live with. Most cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable. Treatment can improve the physical and emotional well-being of patients and couples.
We can answer all your questions regarding male sexuality. We have heard it all and can help you find the best treatment for your personal needs.