Erectile dysfunction is very troubling. You must get real medical help to determine its cause and the best individualized treatment. In this blog, you’ll learn ten things about ED – knowledge you need before you see your urologist.
- ED Affects Millions of American Men
In fact, the number is about 30 million. Many are age 65 or older. So, you are not alone in your struggles with this men’s health issue.
- Erectile Dysfunction is Treatable by a Skilled Physician.
In other words, you likely cannot treat it yourself. ED has real underlying medical and/or psychological causes. You need the expertise of a board-certified urologist who has extensive experience in men’s sexual health issues they can treat the underlying problem.
- Document Your ED Symptoms Before Seeing Your Urologist
Your urologist will discuss your medical history and your symptoms with you. Be specific about when your ED started. Tell the doctor if you do not get spontaneous erections, have a completely flaccid penis or just have occasional trouble with getting firm erection. These details help the doctor sort through possible causes.
- Your ED May Be Stress-Related
It’s true. What happens to your mental processes and emotions can impact sexual desire and function. Maybe you are in conflict with your spouse, or your job demands are increasing. It may be that every now and then, you have an episode of ED (most every man does), and your self-confidence in bed fails. Think about these things and be prepared to be open and honest with your urologist.
- Erectile Dysfunction Can Also Affect Your Partner
Sexual intimacy is a two-way street. If you think you have ED, include your loved one in the conversation about seeking medical evaluation and treatment. Then, ask your spouse or partner to accompany you to your urology appointment. This can help your men’s health specialist determine causes for and treatment of your ED.
- Treatments for ED Vary
In general, people think treating erectile dysfunction always involves taking an oral medication – for instance, the “little blue pill” called Viagra. While this is an effective and popular option, the doctor may recommend other things – lifestyle changes, external vacuum erection devices, penile injections, and more. Your care plan will be individualized to you, your health and your desired therapeutic outcomes.
- ED Can Be a Warning Sign
Your erectile dysfunction may be related to undiagnosed heart problems, diabetes or another underlying condition. In fact, if you are a young man with ED, this could be a sign of cardiovascular disease. Your urologist will run tests to determine if there are other health conditions you have that are contributing to your ED.
- Your ED Doctor Has Heard It All
While it’s natural to feel awkward talking about sexual experience, your men’s health specialist takes a matter-of-fact approach. He will listen to your concerns carefully and ask thoughtful questions in a non-judgmental way. After all, ED is a medical concern and should be cared for with compassion and skill.
- BPH Can Cause ED
A man’s prostate gland increases in size as he ages. This condition is called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and it can contribute to ED. If your urologist suspects you may have BPH, they may perform a digital rectal exam to evaluate the size of your prostate. Your blood draw will also include a PSA test to look for prostate cancer.
- You Can Overcome ED
All it takes to overcome ED is a plan devised by a skilled urologist. So, approach your visit at the men’s health clinic with optimism. Getting treatment is the best way to recover your best sexual function.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction in Phoenix, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, our men’s health specialist, Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr., is a real pioneer in treating ED. Take advantage of his remarkable diagnostic and treatment skills by arranging your in-office consultation today. Call us at (480) 961-2323, or request your appointment online. We have offices in Phoenix and Gilbert, AZ.
