ED

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 30 million men across the United States. It can be a distressing condition, and it can be caused by many different factors such as an underlying health condition or stress.

If erectile dysfunction is regularly interfering with your life, it may be time to seek advice from an internal medicine specialist to get to the root of the issue so it can be successfully treated. Let’s talk about what causes ED and who can help you overcome the condition with treatment.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

It is not uncommon for men to fail to get, or keep, an erection from time to time. However, if this issue becomes a more frequent problem, it may be a sign of erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence.

ED occurs when you are unable to achieve an erection, maintain an erection, or ejaculate on a regular basis. This issue can be caused by a number of physical and emotional problems, and the risk of developing erectile dysfunction increases with age. The risk of ED also increases in men who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Sexual arousal is a complex process involving the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. If there is a problem in one of these areas, such as an underlying heart condition or circulatory problem, it can cause erectile dysfunction.

Lifestyle factors including smoking, drinking alcohol, or using illicit drugs can also have an impact on the ability to achieve or sustain an erection. Some of the other main underlying conditions that can lead to ED include the following:

Cardiac Conditions

Health conditions that affect the heart and blood flow, such as heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), and atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels, or hardening of the arteries), can negatively impact the amount of blood traveling to the penis. If there is not enough blood flow, it can prevent the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. Being overweight or obese can also cause elevated cholesterol levels and damage blood vessels, thereby leading to erectile dysfunction.

Endocrine Disorders

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce, release, and regulate hormones to help with many important functions within the body. These functions include metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, and mood. Endocrine disorders can cause the body to produce too much or too little of a hormone, thereby leading to a hormone imbalance – and some of these hormonal abnormalities can cause erectile dysfunction.

Neurological and Nerve Disorders

Neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and stroke result from damage to the nervous system. Nerve damage can affect the brain’s ability to communicate with parts of the body, such as the reproductive system, thereby potentially preventing the ability to achieve an erection. Injury, prostate surgery, and surgeries that affect the pelvic or spinal region can also result in nerve damage that lead to erectile dysfunction.

Medications

Some medications, such as those which treat high blood pressure, can decrease blood flow to the penis and make it difficult to achieve an erection. Other medications can affect the hormones or nerves and cause the same effect.

Medicines that can contribute to erectile dysfunction include:

  • Prostate cancer medications
  • Diuretics
  • Antidepressants
  • Beta-blockers
  • Chemotherapy
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Synthetic hormones

Psychological Factors

Psychological issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, and fatigue can all affect your ability to become sexually aroused. This can have an impact on achieving or sustaining an erection.

Comprehensive Medical Care in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

Here at the Advanced Medical Clinic, we offer a high standard of primary and urgent care for health issues and health maintenance. Our comprehensive treatment options are designed to help you achieve a better quality of life through management of many conditions, such as erectile dysfunction and reproductive issues.

If you are looking for quality healthcare, turn to our board-certified internal medicine specialist Dr. Gunawardene and his team of experienced and compassionate medical providers. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling us at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment now via our convenient online form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner.

Signs of Erectile Dysfunction

There are few things in life that can rob a man of his confidence more than sexual problems. If this has happened to you, you were probably alarmed the first time you experienced it.

Before you think that yours is a rare situation, know that erectile dysfunction (ED) is actually a very common sexual problem in men of all ages. The condition affects more than 30 million men in the United States.

Erectile dysfunction is not due to a single occurrence in the body but rather a series of occurrences. When sexually aroused, the nerves in your penis release chemicals that make blood rush to it. Since the penis is made of erection chambers that are made of spongy muscle tissue, they temporarily trap the blood which rushes to it, resulting in an erection. Any interruption or interference in any of these processes can contribute to ED.

Symptoms of ED

With erectile dysfunction, the penis does not function as it should despite being sexually aroused. Here are the major signs of ED:

Trouble Getting an Erection or Keeping an Erection h2

Erectile dysfunction can be any of these scenarios:

  • Being unable to get an erection
  • Being able to get an erection but having trouble keeping it
  • Having an erection that is not sufficient for sex

Having occasional ED can be normal if you are too tired, too stressed, or have had too much to drink. However, a consistent string of ED occurrences is not normal, and you could have a blockage in your penis or a related issue. Therefore, you need to have yourself evaluated and treated by a family medicine provider to get your body working normally again.

Reduced Sexual Desire and Loss of Confidence

Having trouble getting and keeping an erection can dampen sexual desire – creating a vicious cycle. It may be due to a number of embarrassing or disempowering experiences that can kill your natural desire for sex, or it may be due to an underlying health condition.

If you are healthy, you will have a natural desire to have sex. Your ED may be a physical issue or a psychological issue, or a combination of both – with erectile dysfunction, it’s difficult to disentangle the two.

Troubled Relationship

Erectile dysfunction can have serious psychological and emotional repercussions in your romantic relationship, because your partner could misinterpret your ED as indicating their own lack of attractiveness. Therefore, it’s not uncommon for erectile dysfunction to be the source of arguments and dissatisfaction in a relationship.

For this reason, you should see a family medicine provider to find out what is causing the dysfunction. Once the underlying cause is discovered, a solution and treatment can be determined.

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction in Palm Beach

Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of an underlying health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Make no mistake: Erectile dysfunction is a valid medical condition that should be treated.

If you are ready to get to the bottom of what’s causing your erectile dysfunction, our skilled family medicine providers here at Advanced Medical Clinic is ready to help. To schedule a consultation, call us at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment by filling out our online form now. We look forward to being your go-to healthcare provider for a lifetime of health and wellness.

What are the Best Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction?

If you have trouble performing in the bedroom, you are not alone. A lot of men have this problem, especially as they get older. A lot of environmental and lifestyle factors can also exasperate symptoms. Fortunately, there are a lot of treatments that can help you with this issue.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to impotence or the inability to get and maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. Having trouble getting an erection every now and then is common and not a cause for concern. However, if it becomes an ongoing issue, you may need treatment.

Symptoms of ED include:

  • Reduced sexual drive
  • Trouble getting an erection
  • Difficulty maintaining an erection for sexual intercourse

There are a lot of treatments available to treat ED. Talk to your family medicine provider about what treatments are best for you. Depending on your overall health, the severity of your ED, and preference, there are a lot of options to choose from. Here are the most common and effective treatments for ED.

Oral Medications

The most common treatment for ED are oral medications. These medications enhance the effects of nitric oxide, which relaxes the muscles in the penis so there is an increase in blood flow to the area, which lets you get an erection.

There are a variety of oral medications available on the market but it’s important to get medication from a family medicine provider to ensure you take medication that is safe and in a healthy dosage. Popular medications for ED include Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, and Stendra.

Injections

Another treatment for ED is alprostadil injections. This treatment involves you injecting alpostadil in the base of the penis at the time you would like to get an erection. The medication creates an erection that can last up to an hour. The needle used for the injection is very thin and there is generally very minor pain involved.

Urethral Suppository

Alprostadil is also available as a suppository. You use a special applicator to insert the suppository, which causes an erection that can last up to an hour.

Hormone Therapy

Another common and effective treatment for ED is hormone therapy. Men with lower testosterone levels than normal report ED more often. Hormone therapy involves delivering normal levels of synthetic testosterone to the body to replenish the diminishing levels of natural testosterone. This treatment is effective in reducing ED symptoms for many men.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Florida

If you have trouble getting or maintaining an erection, it’s time to see a family medicine provider. ED is a treatable condition, and you can significantly reduce symptoms with the appropriate treatment.

The providers at Advanced Medical are board-certified family medicine providers with a wealth of experience treating a variety of health conditions, including ED. We offer personalized care that is patient-focused and effective.

For your convenience, we have two offices to serve you, located in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. To make an appointment, please call (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!

Am I At Risk for ED?

When it comes to personal physical problems, a tough subject for many to talk about is ED. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is considered the inability to get and maintain an erection during sexual activity. Occasional erection problems are usually not a concern, as most men may experience an event of impotence at some point in their lives. Being informed about what might cause or increase the probability for ED can be an important part of prevention and wellness.

Human sexual arousal is a natural process that involves many parts of your body. If erectile dysfunction becomes an ongoing (chronic) issue, it can impact many aspects of a man’s life. ED can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated. Often, problems with the heart and blood vessels, the nervous system, hormones, and certain diseases can result in ED.

Risk factors

There are several factors that can put you at risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Some of these include:

Medical conditions

  • Cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) and clogged arteries (atherosclerosis) are well-known risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Studies suggest that between 30% to 50% of men with high blood pressure may develop ED.
  • Diabetes. Up to 50% of men with diabetes may be at risk of developing erectile dysfunction. Additionally, diabetic men tend to develop erection problems 10 to 15 years earlier than the average ED patient.
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS). MS attacks the protective cover of the nerves, causing deterioration and damage to the nervous system. Erectile dysfunction may develop as a consequence.
  • Prostate diseases. Inflammation, enlargement, and cancer of the prostate can all cause varying degrees of erectile dysfunction.
  • Certain types of surgery and injuries. Sometimes, surgeries or injuries related to the pelvic area or spinal cord may also lead to ED.
  • Cancer treatment. Some forms of cancer treatment, such as radiation therapy, may produce side effects that impair your ability to have and keep an erection.

Other conditions

  • Being overweight. Especially if you are obese (when your bodyweight is 20% or more than it should be).
  • Medications. Medications to treat high blood pressure and some prescription painkilers may produce side effects that lead to ED. In addition, antidepressants and antihistamines (allergy medicines) can adversely impact erectile function.

Substance abuse

  • Alcohol abuse disorder. Health issues caused by alcoholism, such as liver disease and mental health problems, can put you at risk of developing ED.
  • Drug abuse. The abuse of substances such as ecstasy, amphetamines, cocaine, and heroin may put you at risk of developing erectile dysfunction. The misuse of prescription medications such as opioid painkillers and antidepressants can also be risk factors to developing erection problems.
  • Tobacco use. Nicotine is the main drug associated with tobacco products, and it restricts blood flow to veins and arteries, and over time, can cause chronic health conditions leading to erectile dysfunction. Several studies have shown that smokers are 1.5 times more likely to suffer from ED, compared to non-smokers. 

Psychological causes

In both a voluntary and involuntary way, the brain controls the physical events that help produce an erection, beginning with feelings of sexual excitement. Several mental health issues can impact sexual feelings and cause or worsen erection issues. These include:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Stress
  • Sleep disorders
  • Problems in relationships, employment, or parenting

The good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can get back to having a healthy sex life in no time. To learn more about erectile dysfunction, the risk factors for ED, and how to treat it, call Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or you can request an appointment online.

How to Treat ED (Erectile Dysfunction)

Many men are embarrassed when it comes to experiencing erectile dysfunction (the inability to obtain or keep an erection), but it is actually more common than you might think. Erectile dysfunction is a disorder that affects almost 50% of men between the ages of 40 to 70. Once you finally speak with your family medicine provider, you will find it is much more common than it first seems, and more importantly, there are many different treatment options available.

What Treatment Options Are There?

Treatment for erectile dysfunction can range from medications to lifestyle changes, to surgery. The more honest and open you are with your family medicine provider, the more likely your family medicine provider will be to properly diagnose your ED and get you started with the most appropriate treatment.

Certain medications may be used to enhance the natural chemicals in your body, in order to relax the muscles in your penis and increase blood flow, thereby enabling an erection. There are also medications that you can inject directly into the penis to produce an erection immediately. These injections use a very fine needle causing little to no pain. Penile suppositories are yet another option. Using a special applicator, a suppository is inserted into the urethra (the tube from which you urinate), causing an erection within 10 minutes.

Some ED is complicated by low testosterone levels. Hormone replacement therapy may also help correct low levels. Delivery methods include gels, patches, injections and oral medications. Sometimes medications are not enough, or there may be a reason, such as heart issues, that stop testosterone medications from being a good treatment option.

In such cases, a surgically implanted device, such as a penis pump may be considered. A penis pump is a hallowed tube placed over your penis. It uses a vacuum to pull blood into your penis. When an erection is accomplished, a tension ring can be placed around the base of your penis to hold the blood in and keep it firm.

Penile implants may also be considered. Penile implants are semi rigid or inflatable rods placed in both sides of the penis. These rods allow you to control when and how often you have an erection. All treatment options ultimately depend on the cause of ED, and the guidance of a qualified men’s health family medicine provider.

Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

The most common underlying causes of ED include: Heart disease, medications, neurological (nerve) disorders, diseases of the endocrine system, and lifestyle factors. Alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, and heroin, for instance, can also cause erectile dysfunction. Some common medications that may contribute to ED include: antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy, hormone replacements, psychiatric medications, and Parkinson’s disease medications. However, you should never stop taking a medication without your family medicine provider’s approval, as this could be extremely dangerous.

If you have questions or concerns about erectile dysfunction, call Dr. Ishan Gunawardene at Advanced Medical in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach. He will take the time to properly diagnose and treat you, and answer any questions you may have. Call today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online.