Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common issue among men. ED is often thought of as a purely psychological problem. The truth is, while psychological issues are a factor for some, physical health problems are more often to blame.
Men’s health researchers indicate that about 322 million men across the globe experience consistent problems with getting and keeping an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. Unfortunately, most do not pursue evaluation and treatment for their ED due to inaccessible health care options, or more commonly, embarrassment over having intimacy problems.
Health Factors That Impact Erectile Function
ED causes are often rooted in physical issues – most prominently vascular health dysfunction. The damage done to coronary arteries by accumulated plaque and inflammation to the interior of oxygen-carrying blood vessels chiefly impact erectile health.
What’s the source of this plaque and inflammation? Oftentimes, high cholesterol and high glucose levels are to blame. In fact, men’s health physicians and cardiologists agree that one of the first signs of coronary artery disease is not a heart attack or stroke, but rather, persistent ED. If blood flow to the penis is blocked by high cholesterol and constricted by high blood pressure, penile function can suffer. Add in diabetes-related nerve damage due to high blood sugar levels, and ED symptoms can thrive.
Other Factors Leading to ED
There are many other issues that also cause or worsen ED. Many men need an assessment by a men’s health specialist to uncover the link between their ED and these issues:
- Multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders
- Leukemia, sickle cell anemia and other blood disorders
- Hypogonadism, or low testosterone levels
- Sleep apnea, insomnia and other sleep-related disorders
- Alcohol and substance abuse problems
- Use of psychotropic drugs to stabilize mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder
- Depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship problems
Managing Erectile Dysfunction
Improving your sexual health function and satisfaction begins with diagnosing and treating ED. Your urologist in Phoenix, AZ, Dr. Desi Avila, has years of experience in the latest diagnostic and treatment techniques to improve blood flow and get you back to the sex life you want and deserve.
Treatments vary according to individual health needs and desired outcomes. Your care plan may or may not include highly popularized medications, like Viagra. A penile implant or simpler vacuum device may be your best option. Or, you may be like numerous men who simply need to manage their underlying health issues, such as hypertension, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and more in order to minimize ED symptoms.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Phoenix, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, board-certified and fellowship-trained physician Dr. Desiderio Avila routinely identifies the many factors that impact erectile health and helps men take control of their lives again. To learn more about our specialties and men’s health services, call us at (480) 961-2323.
Or, you can arrange a one on one consultation with Dr. Avila by completing our online appointment request form.
