What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

• Cardiovascular Issues: Hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart disease and other conditions can restrict blood flow to the penis, making erections difficult.
• Neurological Conditions: Disorders like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease can interfere with the nerve impulses needed for an erection.
• Injuries: Any injuries that damage your nerves or arteries can affect your ability to hold an erection – spinal cord injuries being a common example.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, both of which are critical components of erections, thus contributing to ED.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Low testosterone levels can impact sexual function.
• Medications: Some medications for high blood pressure, antidepressants and antihistamines can cause ED as a side effect.
• Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Use: Tobacco use can restrict blood flow to the veins and arteries, while excessive alcohol consumption and recreational drug use can impair your ability to perform sexually.
• Obesity: Being overweight or not getting enough exercise can create a testosterone imbalance and aggravate your risk of cardiovascular issues, both of which can lead to ED.
• Poor Diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats can contribute to obesity and cardiovascular problems and potentially result in ED.
• Psychological: Stress, anxiety and depression can affect both your performance ability and your libido.

How Serious Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a prevalent issue that many men experience, but just because it’s common doesn’t mean men must accept it as an unavoidable part of life. Some cases may be due to psychological factors. Utilizing therapy to address the core issue can help treat or manage the issue.

Other causes can be due to physical maladies or characteristics. Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of a much more critical issue, like heart disease or prostate cancer. Consulting with your doctor if you’re continually struggling to maintain an erection is crucial to ensure you don’t have any hidden issues that could be compromising your long-term health.

Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Which treatment option your doctor will recommend for erectile dysfunction will depend on the core issue. If the root cause is psychological, therapy and healthy lifestyle changes may be enough. If it’s due to a physical abnormality, men may require a more targeted treatment plan to address the root cause.

If your issues are due to a testosterone imbalance, your doctor may recommend testosterone therapy  to correct the imbalance, which can be administered through injections, patches or skin creams.

Men may also be prescribed medications like a PDE5 inhibitor that increases blood flow to the penis. Common examples are Sildenafil (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis) and Vardenafil (Levitra) – all of which vary in dosage protocols and period of effect.

The pharmacists at St. Hope Healthcare will curate a personalized prescription plan and provide thorough guidance on your medication.

If standard treatments are ineffective, doctors may recommend surgical interventions – either vascular surgery, which repairs damaged blood vessels to improve blood flow to the penis, or potentially penile implants, in which an inflatable rod is implanted into the penis to allow for an erection.

Houston Patients Can Consult With Compassionate and Dedicated Primary Care Physicians Who Can Help

If you’re experiencing symptoms of erectile dysfunction, the experienced physicians at St. Hope Healthcare are ready to assist. They will promptly design an effective treatment plan and diligently monitor your condition to increase the likelihood of reaching a solution. Learn more by scheduling an appointment through our online portal or by calling (713) 778-1300.