Every year, there are approximately 615,000 new cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) in the U.S. Also known as impotence, ED is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. When ED proves to be an ongoing condition, it not only takes a toll on your relationship, but it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. If you’re concerned about ED, talk to the sexual health specialists at the Center for Female and Male Sexual Medicine in Millburn, NJ.
Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
ED symptoms vary from person to person, and oftentimes, they can be caused by similar types of male sexual dysfunction. Still, if you experience any of the following symptoms for at least two or more months, it’s important to consult with your doctor to get to the root of your ED:
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Trouble keeping an erection during sexual activities
- Reduced libido
- Premature ejaculation
- Delayed ejaculation
- Inability to achieve an orgasm during sex (anorgasmia)
Why You Should Seek Treatment
ED can be caused by a wide array of conditions, including emotional and physical disorders. Common causes of ED include:
- Heart disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Surgeries or injuries
- Obesity
- Age
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Drug or alcohol use
- Smoking
- Certain prescription medications
Treatment for ED
At the Center for Female and Male Sexual Medicine, we can help prevent ED through the use of psychotherapy and other common treatment options, including:
- Lifestyle Changes – Healthy lifestyles promote optimal erectile function. Your doctor may recommend that you quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, lose weight, exercise regularly and/or reduce stress.
- Drug Therapy – Taking oral PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra, Levitra and Cialis, can help prevent ED. Possible side effects of drug therapy include headaches, upset stomach and back pain.
- Intracavernosal Injections – Injections can be used to treat ED but may cause scarring or painful erections.
- Intraurethral Medications (MUSE) – This urethral suppository comes in individually wrapped packets. Common side effects include penis or testicle pain, urethral bleeding and a burning sensation in the urethral opening.
- Vacuum Devices – Also called penile pumps, these devices help draw blood into the shaft of the penis, creating an erection.
- Surgery – When other treatments fail, a penile implant may help. This medical device is surgically placed into the penis, producing a natural-looking erection.
- Shockwave Therapy – This relatively new treatment helps stimulate the body’s natural healing process. It’s painless and doesn’t require any pills, injections, surgery or pumps.
Get Help for ED
To schedule an appointment, call us today at 973-218-9400. And remember: there’s no need to feel embarrassed – nearly half of all U.S. men between the ages of 40 and 70 are affected by ED. Our experienced team will listen to your concerns and help find a treatment plan that’s right for you.