Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. ED affects as many as 30 million men in the United States.
What causes ED?
ED usually has a physical cause, such as disease, injury, or side effects of drugs. Any disorder that causes injury to the nerves or impairs blood flow in the penis has the potential to cause ED.
Some common causes of ED include:
- Diabetes - Damage to blood vessels and nerves that control erections can lead to ED. About half of men with diabetes will develop ED within 10 years of their diagnosis.
*Dangling modifier alert! The second part of that sentence makes it sound like getting diabetes leads to getting ED within 10 years.*
- Heart disease - Atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries, can restrict blood flow to the penis.
- Obesity - Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors like diabetes and heart disease.
- Smoking - Smoking cigarettes causes damage to blood vessels and can lead to ED.
- Alcoholism - Long-term alcohol use can damage nerves and lead to ED.
- Injuries - Injuries to the penis, spinal cord, bladder, pelvis, and prostate can lead to ED.
- Surgery - Procedures involving the colon, prostate, or bladder may damage the nerves or blood vessels that control erections.
- Medications - Blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, tranquilizers, and appetite suppressants can decrease libido and cause ED.
The professionals at Balance Hormone Clinic can help treat ED through hormone optimization therapy. Our clinicians tailor treatment plans to target the potential hormonal causes behind ED like low testosterone, elevated estrogen, high cortisol, and thyroid disorders. We offer cutting-edge therapies to help enhance sexual performance, boost libido, increase muscle mass, sharpen focus, and restore energy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
How is ED diagnosed?
To diagnose ED, a doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about medical history. They may order blood tests to check for heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels, and other conditions that can cause ED. Doctors may also use nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) testing to check for normal erections during sleep.
What are the treatment options for ED?
Lifestyle changes like exercising, drinking less alcohol, and quitting smoking may help improve ED symptoms. Oral medications like sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) can improve erections in about 70% of men with ED. Men who don't respond to pills may consider vacuum pump devices, penile injections, urethral suppositories, or surgically implanted penile prostheses.
The caring medical team at Balance Hormone Clinic can create an integrative treatment plan to address the root causes of your ED. We provide cutting-edge therapies like peptide injections, bioidentical hormone replacement, neurotransmitter testing, lifestyle counseling, and nutritional optimization. Let us help you regain intimacy and improve your quality of life. *Schedule a consultation today!*
In summary, erectile dysfunction is a common disorder that can have psychological and physical causes. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and medications to medical devices and surgery. Work with your doctor to identify the underlying cause of ED and choose the most effective treatment. Men struggling with ED should know they have options to explore and there is hope. *The experienced physicians at Balance Hormone Clinic can provide personalized care to help treat ED using the latest medical advances and techniques.* Don't lose hope - make an appointment today to start improving your sexual health and happiness.