Five Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction That Mishawaka Patients Trust

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be a topic that many approach with delicacy, assuming it is an anomaly, but the truth is that ED is much more common than you might think. According to The Massachusetts Male Aging Study (MMAS), 52 percent of men between the ages of 40 and 70 years old present some degree of ED. The good news is there are several treatment options for ED. Better yet, there are options to address erectile dysfunction that Mishawaka patients trust, available right around the corner.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction That Mishawaka Patients Should Know

Erectile dysfunction is a common urological condition that affects many men as they begin to age. The MMAS study also calculated that approximately 50 percent of men ages 50 and above experience ED; 60 percent of men ages 60 and above are affected; and 70 percent of men ages 70 and above deal with ED. 

ED refers to the inability of the penis to become hard or remain firm enough to engage in sexual activity. While many men experience this issue only on occasion, if it occurs more than half of the time, it can most likely be classified as ED. Causes include both physical and emotional factors, and men who feel inadequate or embarrassed may particularly find themselves impacted.

Although it’s more common for elderly individuals to experience ED, any man can present symptoms of ED. In fact, a reported 30 million men of all ages have reported having ED.

The anatomical cause of ED results when there is limited blood flow or trauma to the nerves of the penis, which impedes its ability to become erect. The manifestation of this condition can occur from a range of factors, including:

• High blood sugar (diabetes), blood pressure and/or cholesterol
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Cardiovascular disease
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Lack of exercise
• Natural progression of the aging process
• Nerve signals from the brain or spinal cord can’t/don’t reach the penis
• Lack of blood flow into the penis
• Inability of the penis to store blood during an erection
• Various diseases, injuries or previous surgeries in the pelvic area that have affected the nerves in the penis

Potential emotional triggers of ED can include:

• Depression/anxiety
• Relationship problems
• Stress at home or work
• Concern regarding sexual performance

Five Successful Approaches to Treating Erectile Dysfunction

Whether erectile dysfunction manifests from physical or emotional factors, or a combination of both, there are a number of ways to treat the condition, including:

1. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
2. A diagnostic test will reveal if testosterone levels are low, in which case TRT may help replenish levels to a desirable state.

2. Oral Medications
3. Prescribed medications such as Viagra® (sildenafil citrate), Levitra® (vardenafil HCl) and Cialis® (tadalafil) are designed to relax the muscle cells of the penis and increase blood flow to encourage a normal erection.

3. Direct Application of Medicine
4. In the event oral medications are unsuccessful, your urologist may recommend an injection of medication directly into the penis (don’t worry, it’s a very tiny needle!). Another option is Intraurethral Therapy, in which a small pellet of medication is deposited into the urethra.

4. Surgical Options
5. There are several types of surgical approaches your urologist can perform to improve ED. In some cases, a surgeon may attempt to repair the blood vessels. In other scenarios, a prosthesis or bendable implant may be suggested.

5. Alternative Treatment Options
6. In certain situations, your urologist may recommend trying a vacuum erection device designed to promote an erection. In other instances, alternative therapies may be used beyond what is listed above to address emotional components of ED.

UASB Is Here to Help

At Urology Associates of South Bend, our team of urologists and staff understand the complexities involved in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction. That’s why, when it comes to receiving compassionate, safe and confidential care for erectile dysfunction that Mishawaka patients deserve, we are here to deliver!

If you’re concerned that you may have ED, we can help you set up a consultation with one of our professional, friendly and skilled urologists. Contact us now to get started: (574) 234-4100.

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