By Harry Tsai, M.D. –
Cause
. Lifestyle choices: being overweight, smoking, excessive alcohol, drug abuse
. Health conditions: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, low testosterone, neurologic diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis
. Medicines: high blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, antihistamines
. Mental or emotional concerns: Stress, depression, anxiety (performance anxiety)
Symptoms
. Trouble getting an erection
. Trouble getting a firm or rigid erection for intercourse
. Trouble keeping an erection
Detection
There are not many invasive tests that are required to make a diagnosis. Urinalysis is need to rule out infection and blood in the urine. A thorough history and physical can reveal potential medical causes. Physical exam can reveal curvature or plaques in the penis (Peyronie’s disease). A testosterone level is required to evaluate potential hormonal cause of ED.
Treatment
. Treat the underlying cause such as adjusting the medicine that is triggering ED
. Stop smoking and drinking
. Oral medications are known as 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors : Cialis, Levitra, Viagra; this class of medications work by boosting the effect of nitric oxide which in turn relaxes the muscles to the blood vessels of the penis. As a result, there is increased blood flood to the penis.
. Intraurethral suppository: MUSE can be deposited inside the urethra
. Injection therapy: medications can be mixed and injected into the soft tissue of the penis
. Vacuum device: this is a pump which is placed over the penis and draws blood into the penis
. Surgery: An implant can be placed surgically into the penis to obtain an erection
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, monitoring medical conditions can lead to better erections. Avoid drinking, smoking, losing weight and decreasing stress are also vital.
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