Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a very widespread condition, affecting 52% of men in the United States. ED occurs in men of every age, but its prevalence increases with age as other health conditions begin to play a role. The good news is that much can be done to ensure your quality of life well into your later years. At Austin Medical Group, the health care professionals provide their patients in Austin, Texas, with a number of practical solutions to combat ED. To learn more, call or book an appointment online with Austin Medical Group today.
ED Q & A
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to get or maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse.
While occasional issues in getting an erection are completely normal, persistent problems could be a sign of something more serious, such as an underlying health condition.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
The primary culprit behind ED is age, but within that broad category are a large number of medical issues that may contribute to your ED. The most common medical conditions that lead to ED are:
- Heart disease
- Atherosclerosis, or clogged blood vessels
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Prostate problems
- Low testosterone
These medical conditions largely involve your cardiovascular system, which is essential to your ability to get an erection. An erection is created by blood flow to your penis, and if something hampers that flow, you might have a difficult time getting or sustaining an erection.
Outside of problems with blood flow, many men have ED issues following prostate problems, whether it’s treatment for prostate cancer or surgery.
While physical issues are often at the heart of ED, so, too, are mental issues. Anxiety, depression, or stress can have an enormous impact on your sexual health, leading to problems with libido and ED. In fact, while ED may start as a physical problem, it can quickly snowball into a mental issue as anxiety about the condition takes hold, making intervention key.
How is ED treated?
Since there are so many causes for ED, both physical and mental, there are equally as numerous treatments for it. Once your doctor at Austin Medical Group uncovers the underlying cause of your ED, they formulate a plan that addresses your unique situation. Usually involved in that plan are:
- Medications to increase blood flow to your penis
- Spot injections
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Implants or pumps
- Lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or quitting smoking and drinking
- Counseling
Your doctor works with you until a treatment allows you to enjoy a happy and active sex life.
There’s no reason to live with erectile dysfunction any longer than you have to. Call Austin Medical Group, or book an appointment online, to restore your quality of life.
