It's natural to “freak out” when erectile dysfunction (ED) happens, and it’s never at a convenient time... ever. However, in some way you can find comfort in knowing that you are one of the millions of men who deal with ED. In fact, it’s something that you’re likely to experience more as you get older. Experts widely agree that ED is relatively common and that the risk of developing ED increases with age. Some studies cite that ED is the most common form of sexual dysfunction that affects men.
Yes, it's enough to get you in a panic in all the wrong ways, but there are some steps you can follow to treat erectile dysfunction ED and continue an active sex life.
Finding the Source
There are many sources for erectile dysfunction, and if you want to treat yours effectively, you need to think about the cause. Are you a highly stressed person? Do you lead a healthy lifestyle? How active are you in general and what type of diet do you have?
It's not just age and a decrease in testosterone levels that will cause ED, though those can be large contributing factors, especially if you are a man over 40 years of age. The first step in finding a solution is consulting with your urologist. An experienced urologist is a physician who specializes in men’s health issues such as erectile dysfunction.
Diagnosing the Issue
The first things you’ll need to address in regard to erectile problems are any physical issues, which may often be a cause of ED, or exacerbate the condition and even make it worse. These may include:
- Alcohol, tobacco or recreational drug use
- Obesity
- Cardiac problems (for 30 percent of men, erectile dysfunction is often the first symptom of cardiovascular disease)
- Prescription medicines
- Prostate issues
- Diabetes or other chronic conditions
If you and your urologist determine that none of these physical issues are a problem for you, it will be time to do some testing to get you a diagnosis before a specific treatment can begin.
Finding Your Solution
Erectile dysfunction is complex and can have many “interconnected” parts. As mentioned previously, it can be exacerbated by both psychological troubles, such as stress at work or home, as well as physical issues.
There is no specific treatment that is guaranteed to work for everyone when it comes to erectile dysfunction. However, there are a lot of good options for men experiencing these problems. Treatments for ED can range from Testosterone Replacement Therapy and oral prescription medications such as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis, to Vacuum Erection Devices, Penile Injection Therapy and Penile Implants. Additionally, GAINSWave™ utilizes what is known as low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT). At Philadelphia Urology Associates, Dr. Bruce Sloan is a Certified Partner trained in these drug and surgery free non-invasive techniques that use pulse waves to improve sexual performance. This therapy has been used in Europe for over 15 years with great success.
Questions about Erectile Dysfunction or ED?
At Philadelphia Urology Associates, Dr. Bruce Sloane is a nationally renowned specialist in Men's Health issues and Age Management Medicine. Throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding areas, patients seek his expertise to treat erectile dysfunction and other sexual performance issues. Using state-of-the-art equipment and having extensive specialized education and training, Dr. Sloane will find the individualized treatments and solutions that will work for you.
Additionally, Dr. Sloane is well experienced in GAINSWave™ therapy and is considered perhaps the leading authority in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas with extensive experience using the shock wave treatment for ED patients.
If you have any questions about the causes and treatments available for ED, we urge you to contact us now online or call us at (215) 563-1199 today to discuss how we can help you!
