Symptoms of ED & Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a medical condition where the man is unable to achieve a sufficient erection to have a satisfactory sex life.
What causes ED?
The causes and symptoms of ED are many and complex. The vast majority of the causes are complications of other diseases. These diseases frequently damage blood vessels and/or nerves.
Other common causes:
- A very common cause of ED is medication, especially those for hypertension and anxiety.
- Pelvic surgery (prostate, bladder or colon surgeries) frequently damages nerves necessary to achieve an erection.
- Although previous research overstated the frequency, psychological factors also can cause ED.
- A common situation would be in a failing, difficult relationship.
- Back disorders frequently damage nerves effecting erection.
- Hormone levels are also a factor in ED.
- Recreational drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, excess alcohol and prescription medications used recreationally can cause ED.
Diseases Associated
with ED
Type I & Type II Diabetes
Hypertension
Lipid Disorders
Arthrosclerosis
Andropause
Thyroid Abnormalities
Prostate Disease
How common is ED?
The incidence of ED is significantly higher than most people think. Incidence varies depending on age and medical factors. Some studies of diabetics indicate over 75% of diabetics have ED. Looking at one overall study of men (not just diabetics) indicates that by age 40, 39% of males have ED. The same study says by age 70, 68% of men have ED.
The incidence of ED goes up significantly when a man has diabetes, hypertension, elevated lipids or any of the previously listed medical diseases associated with ED.
Find out more about
Intracavernosal Injection
Low Testosterone
Premature Ejaculation
Is my ED in my head?
Medical opinion has change dramatically in the past 25 years. Now we have documented many of the causes of ED and realized it is not primarily a psychological problem.
With that said, ED can be psychological in nature as well. If you are in a stressful, failing relationship most men will have ED. Very stressful life situations may cause temporary ED. The majority of these situations are evident.
Frequently a person who has some problems with ED will develop a sense of pressure, and performance anxiety develops which usually makes the ED worse.
So, I have ED. Who cares?
Humans can rationalize most anything. ED is a bit different. Not only does the patient have the great loss of his sex life, his partner also suffers. The partner notices the lack of activity. They begin to wonder why. “Is there someone else?” “Doesn’t he find me attractive anymore?” “What is wrong with me?”
These feelings typically drive a wedge in the relationship which adds more stress to the patient which makes the ED worse.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options
Intracavernosal Injections
This is the most effective (up to 90% success rate) treatment for ED. The medication is specifically designed for each patient and can be self-administered safely and painlessly at home.
For more information, see our page dedicated to our most popular treatment for ED.
Oral Agents
Everyone has heard of the common oral agents like Viagra or Cialis. There are others, but all have the same mechanism of action. They inhibit an enzyme that are needed to achieve an erection. They work very nicely on some people but not everyone. A significant percentage of people will have side effects; vision changes, headache, nausea, flushing, nasal congestion and muscle aches are typical.
These oral agents also have conflicts with certain other medications and cannot be taken together. They also require the user to take the medication 1-2 hours before sexual activities. All of them require sexual stimulation to achieve an erection.
Warning: These medications can be quite expensive. You may find online sources that are located outside of the U.S. selling them at a dramatically reduced price. Typically these are very low quality or complete fakes.
Vacuum Pump
This is a mechanical device that has a cylinder that fits over the penis and a pump is attached to it that creates a vacuum inside the cylinder and causes blood to passively fill the penis. As the penis is engorged, a rubber ring is placed on the base of the penis to trap the blood in the penis. This frequently provides enough erection to allow sex.
Surgical Implant
Surgical implants have 2 basic types, a semi-rigid rod placed in the penis and a pump. These are significant surgical procedures. When these are done, the man will always be dependent on the implant because they destroy the part of the penis that allows normal erections. These are rarely paid for by insurance.
Priapus Shot (P-shot)
The Priapus shot was developed by Dr. Charles Runels and has been proven to be a functional solution for erectile dysfunction. It uses an injection of the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to rejuvenate the penis and increase efficiency of other ED treatments if they are still needed.
Read more about the Priapus shot here.
Let Us Help You Find a Solution for Your ED
Call 423.414.9400 to schedule an appointment
