Affecting about 30 million American men, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be an embarrassing and frustrating problem. Caused by physical and emotional health factors, ED can be diagnosed correctly and treated successfully by a medical specialist called a urologist. In this blog, we will discuss the risk factors for ED and how the expertise of a urologist benefits men with this sexual health issue.
Risk Factors For Erectile Dysfunction
ED occurs when a man cannot achieve or sustain an erection that is sufficient enough for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction happens to almost every man from time to time; however, persistent problems indicate an underlying physical or emotional health problem that can best be treated by a board-certified urologist.
Risk factors for erectile dysfunction can include:
- Limited blood flow in the penis
- Poor functionality of penile nerves
- A lump or deformity in the penis
- Smoking
- Sleep apnea and other types of sleep-related disorders
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Being 50+ years old
- Cancer treatment
- Taking certain prescription drugs
- Alcohol abuse
- Spine, penile, or groin injury
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Hyperlipidemia, or high blood cholesterol
- Cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease
- Low testosterone (male hormone)
In fact, research shows that ED often is a warning sign for existing cardiovascular disease, particularly in young men.
Benefits of Seeking ED Treatment from a Urologist
A skilled urologist is an expert on the male sexual organs; their functionality; and what can lead to abnormalities or impairments, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, male infertility, enlarged prostate, Peyronie’s disease, and more.
This medical specialist has the knowledge and experience to understand that emotional and mental health also factor into ED. These issues include:
- Stress
- Performance anxiety, or concerns about sexual encounters
- Interpersonal problems within a marriage or other intimate relationship
- Job-related worries
- Clinical depression
Your urologist can refer you to a psychological professional in your area to help address some of these concerns, further enhancing your treatment.
Additional benefits of seeking ED treatment from a urologist include:
- A careful review of the patient’s symptoms and medical/family history.
- State-of-the-art men’s health assessments, such as lab work, a penile Doppler exam to assess blood flow, digital X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and nocturnal penile tumescence testing.
- A customized care plan with one or more treatment modalities.
A urologist can prescribe medications, such as Viagra, perform penile implant surgery, recommend an external vacuum device (pump), or implement injection therapy to improve the quality and frequency of erections.
Ultimately, your urologist will work with you on an individual basis to ensure your ED treatment is personalized to your needs and fits in well with your desired results and overall lifestyle. You must talk to your urologist about your expectations before receiving treatment for your ED.
Urology in Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Desiderio Avila at Ironwood Urology is a nationally renowned urologist who specializes in men’s sexual and reproductive health. If you have symptoms of erectile dysfunction, don’t be reluctant to get an evaluation and treatment plan.
Call Ironwood Urology for an in-depth and confidential consultation with Dr. Avila today at (480) 961-2323, or request your appointment online. For your convenience, we have two locations to serve you in Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona.
