Comprehensive Erectile Dysfunction Treatment at Urology Associates of South Bend

Everything Men Need to Know About Erectile Dysfunction to Deal with the Problem Successfully

Medically Reviewed by Anthony R. Gauthier, Jr., MD | Written by Susan Snider
Published 10/16/2024 | Updated 03/11/2025

Content

• What Is Erectile Dysfunction

• The Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

  
  

  • Physical Problems

  • Bad Habits and Lifestyle

  • Hormonal Disorders

  • Medicinal Products

  • Age-Related Changes

  • Injuries and Surgeries

• The Impact of Psychological State on Men's Sexual Health

• How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

  
  

  • Medical Examination

  • Lab Tests

  • Ultrasound Examination

  • Nocturnal Erection Tests

  • Psychological Assessment

  • Additional Diagnostic Studies

• What Treatment Methods Are Most Effective: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors

  
  

  • What Is the Working Principle of PDE5 Inhibitors?

  • Popular PDE5 Drugs

  • Advantages and Disadvantages

  • PDE5 Alternatives

• What Helps Maintain Health: Preventive Measures

The topic of men's health continues to be one of the most discussed today. And this is actually not surprising at all. Many people face issues related to sexual function. However, often they remain unresolved since not everyone is ready to seek professional support.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one such problem and affects around 20% of all men globally, influencing personal life, self-esteem, and creating various psychological barriers. Fortunately, it can be effectively controlled. The main thing is to understand that this is not just a temporary challenge, but a potential severe illness that requires timely treatment.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction and How Does It Manifest?

Stephen W. Leslie and Thushanth Sooriyamoorthy define erectile dysfunction as the failure to achieve or maintain a rigid penile erection suitable for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Other modern scientists studying the problem agree with such a definition, describing this condition in approximately the same way (just some in more detail and some in less).

Symptoms vary depending on the cause and include the following:

1. Frequent difficulty achieving an erection. The man cannot get the erection he wants. There were no such problems before. This may happen occasionally or become regular.
2. Inability to maintain an erection. Sometimes men achieve an erection easily, but it is not maintained throughout sexual intercourse, which prevents full sexual contact.
3. Decreased sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction is often accompanied by low libido. The person does not experience the same interest in sex, even under favorable circumstances.
4. Emotional distress. Men dealing with ED usually experience anxiety, shame, frustration, or depression, which further aggravates the problem.
5. Lack of morning erections. Morning erections are a natural phenomenon that helps maintain normal penile function. Their absence indicates problems with the blood supply or nervous system.

Pain and discomfort in the penile area often occur due to certain diseases (injury, infection, inflammation) or circulatory disorders. In this case, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider right away to rule out or confirm the presence of prostatitis and other disorders of the male reproductive system.

The Main Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Some causes of ED are physical, while others pertain to lifestyle, hormonal issues, and psychological concerns.

1. Physical Problems

Physical issues play a major role in the development of ED. Cardiovascular diseases(hypertension, atherosclerosis, etc.) are among the most common factors. These diseases impair blood circulation, making erection difficult or even impossible.

Liver and kidney disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, various neurological disorders (such as Parkinson's disease), stroke, and multiple sclerosis are also important predisposing factors. Why? The explanation is simple: erection requires the coordinated work of various body systems, and any violation in one of the links can cause a problem.

2. Bad Habits and Lifestyle

Alcohol abuse and smoking affect general health and also sexual performance. The negative impact of smoking is that it disrupts blood flow. What about alcohol? In moderation, it can be relaxing, yet frequent intake lowers testosterone levels and impacts nerve signals. Hence, it is worth giving up bad habits.

Physical activity is no less important for ensuring the body's normal function. Lack of movement triggers various conditions, including poor blood circulation, decreased stamina, obesity, thereby worsening sexual health. Regular exercise is an excellent preventive measure. This is the best way to restore energy and self-confidence.

3. Hormonal Disorders

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, directly related to libido and erectile function.A decrease in its level often leads to fatigue, depression, decreased sexual desire, and, of course, problems with potency. Prolactin and thyroid hormones influence erections as well. So, try monitoring your hormonal balance promptly.

4. Medicinal Products

Side effects of some medications harm sexual function. These include:

• antidepressants;
• hypertension medicines;
• diuretics;
• and antihistamines.

Such products reduce testosterone levels, block nerve impulses, and impair blood circulation. Often, patients do not even suspect that the cause of poor erectile function is the drugs they take to treat other diseases.

5. Age-Related Changes

As men get older, they typically experience a decrease in sexual activity. This results from reduced testosterone production, diminished elasticity in blood vessels, and a decline in the body's overall activity. Nonetheless, age itself is not a direct cause of ED. Therefore, we cannot say that with age a man will certainly face such a problem. The risk is just higher, especially if other diseases are present.

6. Injuries and Surgeries

Sometimes this condition is the result of injuries or surgeries impacting the pelvic or lower abdominal areas. For example, prostate surgery, prostate cancer, spinal cord injuries can all cause nerve damage that directly affects the ability to maintain an erection.

The Impact of Psychological State on Men's Sexual Health

Stress, anxiety, and depression often make intimate relationships much more difficult. A man who experiences constant stress at work or in his personal life is likely to face problems in the bedroom. Why does this happen? The fact is that stress causes the release of cortisol, a hormone that adversely impacts testosterone, which is responsible for libido. Thus, a vicious circle arises: stress reduces sexual desire, and the lack of sexual activity, in turn, can further aggravate stress and anxiety.

Many studies confirm that men suffering from depression tend to lose interest in sex, which may be due to changes in hormone levels or simply a general decline in energy and mood. Low self-esteem is destructive as well. When a man considers himself a loser, he is not confident in his ability to satisfy a partner. This can lead to a health issue on a physical level – even if the organs are completely healthy.

Thus, the connection between psychological state and erectile dysfunction is quite complex and multifaceted. Understanding these aspects can help men and their partners cope with problems and find effective ways to improve their intimate lives.

How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

Diagnostics is an important process that helps identify the underlying issue and recommend the most efficient treatment. It is usually multi-stage, includes various tests and analyses, as well as a detailed conversation with the patient about his symptoms, lifestyle, and health history.

Medical Examination

The first step in diagnostics is a consultation with a doctor. He will listen carefully to the patient, conduct a medical examination, and study the medical history. The patient must answer questions honestly, without hiding possible factors that may affect health. For instance, smoking, alcohol abuse, stress at work, chronic diseases – all this can be the cause of erectile dysfunction. The doctor may also ask questions regarding sexual activity, the time of the problem, and other important aspects.

Lab Tests

Various laboratory tests are usually prescribed to rule out physical causes of ED.The most common are:

• complete blood count;
• testosterone levels blood test;
• blood sugar tests to detect diabetes.

Having a lipid panel is also beneficial. Elevated cholesterol levels harm the blood vessels, which subsequently disrupts blood circulation and sometimes leads to ED. This is a very important point because many men do not believe that heart issues can greatly impact their sexual well-being.

Be sure to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some of them cause inflammation and other unpleasant symptoms, simultaneously provoking impotence.

Many doctors prescribe a hormone test since in some cases the root of the problem is a hormonal imbalance. It’s important to check the level of testosterone, the main male hormone that regulates libido and sexual function. Its low level indicates the need for treatment. Prolactin plays a role as well. At high levels, this hormone suppresses sexual desire. By the way, estrogen imbalance also affects sexual health. In particular, excess estrogen causes weak sexual function.

Ultrasound Examination

Ultrasound examination enables the assessment of blood vessels supplying blood to the penis. This test helps identify possible circulatory problems, such as vascular disease, which can cause erectile dysfunction. In some cases, Dopplerography (Doppler scanning) is used. This diagnostic method allows for a more detailed study of the blood flow in the penile region.

Nocturnal Erection Tests

To assess the functionality of the nervous system and blood vessels, as well as to exclude the psychological nature of the disorder, a test for nocturnal erections is performed. Thus, a special device records the presence and quality of erections that occur during sleep. If nocturnal erections are present, this indicates a psychological problem, not a physical one.

Psychological Assessment

Psychological assessment usually takes place through a conversation with a psychotherapist or sexologist, who helps to identify hidden emotional problems. The doctor may ask questions about the patient's personal life, relationships, self-esteem, stressful situations, and so on.

Additional Diagnostic Studies

Additional studies may be required if preliminary tests do not provide a definitive answer. For example, an MRI or CT scan to detect diseases such as tumors or injuries in the pelvic area. After all, only a thorough examination can eliminate all potential factors influencing erectile function.

What Treatment Methods Are Most Effective: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors

When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction (ED), one of the most common and effective methods is the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These drugs are a real breakthrough in the field of medicine and have a great impact on improving the quality of life of men with erectile problems. But before we dive into the details, it’s worth understanding what exactly happens in the body when using such products and how they work.

What Is the Working Principle of PDE5 Inhibitors?

Normally, an erection occurs when blood flows into the penis, filling its blood vessels. This process is regulated by chemicals in the body, and one of them is nitric oxide. It helps to relax the walls of blood vessels, allowing blood to flow into the penis. When this process is disrupted, PDE5 drugs come to the rescue.

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors block an enzyme that destroys a chemical signal (cyclic guanosine monophosphate) needed for normal nitric oxide function. This leads to enhanced blood circulation, helping to achieve and maintain an erection.

Popular PDE5 Drugs

Among the most commonly used drugs in the PDE5 category, the following stand out:

1. Sildenafil (Viagra) is the first and probably the most famous drug in this group. It was developed back in 1998 and has since become a symbol of erectile dysfunction treatment. Sildenafil helps increase blood flow to the reproductive system, which ensures a quality erection if sexual stimulation is present. Its effect usually lasts up to 4 hours.
2. Tadalafil (Cialis). This drug has a prolonged effect, lasting up to 36 hours. It is often called the “weekend” medication for ED because allows men to plan their sex lives more freely without being tied to a specific time. Tadalafil is also utilized for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
3. Vardenafil (Levitra) works similarly to sildenafil but with several advantages. It starts working faster and is effective even in men with diabetic erectile dysfunction. The effect lasts up to 5-6 hours, which gives a man enough time for a full sexual act.

Each of the drugs has its own characteristics, and the choice of one or another depends on individual preferences, the patient's health, and the body's reaction. The main thing to keep in mind is that these drugs only work in the presence of sexual stimulation – they do not cause an erection on their own.

In order to choose the best remedy, do not forget to consult with your doctor. He will recommend the most suitable medication based on your health characteristics and determine the appropriate dosage. In case of problems with the cardiovascular system, preference is usually given to tadalafil, since it has fewer contraindications in this regard.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The undoubted advantages of PDE5 drugs are their high efficiency, ease of use, and quick results. Most men who use these drugs note a significant improvement in the quality of their sexual lives. In addition, these drugs rarely cause serious side effects if taken as prescribed by the physician.

Nevertheless, these drugs have some limitations. For example, they may not be effective in men with severe vascular or nervous system diseases. Also, they do not eliminate the causes of erectile dysfunction, but only temporarily relieve the symptoms. Taking nitrate heart medications and PDE5 inhibitors together can be dangerous.

PDE5 Alternatives

Although phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitorsremain the most popular therapies, other treatments may be recommended in certain situations. For example, injecting medications directly into the penis, using vacuum devices, or opting for surgery. The decision on the choice of treatment method should always be made by a medical expert.

What Helps Maintain Health: Preventive Measures

Maintaining sexual health and preventing erectile dysfunction is a comprehensive approach that includes attention to physical and psycho-emotional states. Here are some key preventive measures:

1. Healthy diet. Proper nutrition is the basis for excellent sexual health. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like nuts and avocados improve blood circulation and energy levels in the human body. Don’t forget to limit your sugar and salt intake – this will help avoid heart problems.
2. Regular physical activity. Physical activity is equally important. Exercise helps improve blood circulation, increase energy levels, and reduce stress, which can negatively affect sexual function. Plus, physical activity releases endorphins, which not only lift mood but also create a feeling of general well-being. So, a regular walk in the fresh air or swimming is a great way to take care of your sex life.
3. Quitting bad habits. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have a negative impact on blood vessels and sexual function. The sooner you quit these habits, the better for your health.
4. Manage stress. Chronic stress and anxiety weaken sexual function. Breathing techniques, yoga, and meditation relieve tension quickly and easily.
5. Regular medical check-ups. Regular check-ups help identify potential problems at an early stage and take necessary measures in a timely manner.

Therefore, erectile dysfunction is not a fatal condition, but rather a signal from the body about potential health issues. Of course, each case is individual, and the treatment method should rely on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's health. PDE5 inhibitors help many men regain confidence and improve their quality of life. However, do not forget about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits, and timely visits to the doctor. After all, a healthy body is the key to a happy sex life.

To learn more about our erectile dysfunction treatment options or to schedule a consultation call us now at 574-234-4100.

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