Get treatment for erectile dysfunction
If what we see in television commercials is true, the solution for erectile dysfunction is just a simple pill. The reality is actually quite a bit more complicated. For some men, no “magic pill” that can fix their inability to get and maintain a full erection when they want to. The first step in finding an effective, lasting treatment for ED is to identify the cause – and for that, you need an expert, like our ED specialists in Houston.
You may be reassured to know that ED is very common, affecting roughly 30 million men in the United States alone. The condition is especially prevalent in older men, affecting roughly half of men between the ages of 40 and 70. However, just because it’s common doesn’t mean that you have to live with it.
When you make an appointment with our ED specialists in Houston, we will begin with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, with a goal of identifying any underlying physical or psychological concerns that could be playing a role in your erectile dysfunction. We will likely order blood tests to check for normal organ function and hormone levels, as well as a urine test and ultrasound exam of the reproductive organs. Other tests may include a study of nerve activity in the penis, or other imaging studies as needed.
If underlying conditions or causes for ED are identified, that’s a great first step in giving you an effective, targeted treatment.
Causes and treatment for ED
The right treatment for ED will depend on what is causing the problem. Causes of erectile dysfunction can be complex, and may be related to vascular issues, nerve problems, hormones or psychological conditions.
In some cases, ED can be improved through simple lifestyle changes. Men who are obese or engaging in unhealthy behaviors often experience problems with getting or maintaining an erection. Our skilled ED specialists in Houston can guide you through how to improve your overall mental and physical health, which can have a dramatic impact on your ability to have a satisfying sex life.
- Weight loss and a healthy diet
- Quit smoking
- Exercise, especially cardio activities
- Cut back on alcohol
- Get help for substance use disorders
- Better manage stress levels, depression and anxiety
- Get better quality and duration of sleep
- Sex therapy
In some cases, we find that ED is caused by medications you’re already taking for another medical condition, and improvement is as simple as switching to a different drug. Hormone therapy may be indicated for men with low testosterone or thyroid issues.
For some men, oral medications to increase blood flow to the penis can help. These need to be taken roughly one hour before intercourse. For a quicker approach, injectable or suppository medications are available that begin to create an erection within just 10 minutes.
Medical devices, such as penis pumps, often help men achieve an erection on demand. In severe cases, penile implant surgery or low-intensity focused shockwave therapy to improve blood flow may be effective.
Discreet help for erectile dysfunction
While erectile dysfunction rarely goes away on its own without lifestyle changes or other treatment, the good news is that our ED specialists in Houston have many effective ways to help you overcome ED and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to get the answers and the treatment for ED that you need.