Achieving an erection is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, nerves, muscles and blood circulation. If something interferes with this process, the result may be erectile dysfunction. In some cases, erectile dysfunction is the first sign of other serious underlying health conditions, such as cardiovascular problems, that need treatment because erectile dysfunction can share the same risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
Three Components of Male Sexual Function
There are three essential components of male sexual function:
- Interest and desire for sexual activity (libido)
- The ability to obtain and maintain an erection
- Ejaculation and climax (orgasm)
During an initial visit, the urologist will help to differentiate which components of the male sexual function are affected. This is an important step because treatment options for differ depending on the affected components.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
There are many possible causes of erectile dysfunction, both physical and psychological, including:
Psychological/Environmental
Physical/Organic
- Poor communication with partner
- Alcoholism
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Smoking
- Drug abuse
- Injury to the penis
- Prostate cancer treatment
- Spinal cord injury
- Neurological diseases
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Low testosterone
- High cholesterol and lipid levels
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Hormonal disorders
- Certain medications
- Lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia
Preventing Erectile Dysfunction
There are several steps men can take to reduce their risk for erectile dysfunction, including:
- Quit smoking
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight and healthy diet
- Limit or avoid the use of alcohol
- Reduce stress
- Get help for anxiety or depression
- Discontinue drugs with harmful side effects
- Have regular check-ups with a primary care physician to monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Urologists with advanced training offer medical and surgical treatment options for men and their partners affected by erectile dysfunction. There are several different ways that erectile dysfunction can be treated. For some men, making a few healthy lifestyle changes may solve the problem. Your urologist will help determine the most effective course of treatment for your condition.
Treatment options for ED include:
- Medication
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Vacuum erection devices
- Penile implants
