Erectile dysfunction happens to millions of men in the United States every year.
Men first suspect they have erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, when they have trouble getting or keeping an erection when aroused. Our team can test for erectile dysfunction using physical exams, blood tests, and urine tests, but our physicians might also go a step further and do a psychological exam or overnight erection test. The reason we go through so many measures is because erectile dysfunction has such a wide variety of causes.
There are many misconceptions about the causes of erectile dysfunction. Many men think that they cannot get an erection because they are getting older and that’s just what happens when you age. Another erectile dysfunction misconception is that men are no longer attracted to their partner. While this condition is often psychological, attraction does not cause the condition. Finally, a man cannot get erectile dysfunction from constricting the penis. With this false information cleared up, we can begin to talk about the true causes.
As previously mentioned, the cause of erectile dysfunction can be psychological, and a man could experience this condition if he is having anxious and stressful thoughts. Feeling depressed also could have a major impact on a man’s ability to keep an erection. The Affiliated Urologist team may need to conduct a psychological exam to see if these negative thoughts are causing the condition or if the thoughts are actually being caused by erectile dysfunction.
Similarly, some medications may contribute to the cause of erectile dysfunction. Antidepressants used for depression, chronic pain, or any other use may be interfering with the ability to maintain an erection. In fact, impaired erectile function is one of the top reasons people stop using antidepressants. It is not recommended to stop taking your current medication unless specifically instructed by our urology team during treatment. Alcohol is a depressant and as some men may have experienced, it’s difficult to have sexual intercourse when intoxicated. Sometimes, if too much consumption leads to alcoholism, a man can get erectile dysfunction because of it.
Erectile dysfunction may also be caused by physiological problems in the body. High blood pressure and cholesterol, low testosterone, and clogged blood vessels can all lead to erectile dysfunction. These can be tested for during blood tests and the results could come back in as little as 24 hours.
Since erectile dysfunction is so common in the United States, Affiliated Urologists has several treatment options for the condition. You may have gotten plenty of spam email about Viagra, but it is actually a very researched, effective drug to treat erectile dysfunction. However, your urologist may also recommend Cialis, Levitra, or Staxyn. If drug therapy does not treat a man’s erectile dysfunction, other options may include penis pumps, implants, blood vessel surgery, testosterone replacement therapy, and more.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or visit http://affiliatedurologists.com/contact/ for instructions on scheduling an appointment.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
