What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection that’s firm enough to have sexual intercourse.
Having trouble achieving or maintaining an erection every now and then is not uncommon; however, if you struggle with ED regularly, it’s important to talk to your doctor or urologist.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction
If you have erectile dysfunction, you may experience the following symptoms:
Trouble getting an erection
Trouble maintaining an erection during sex
Lack of interest in sex
Because ED can potentially be a sign of cardiovascular issues, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a urologist if you’ve experienced any of these symptoms.
Risk factors for erectile dysfunction
Certain lifestyle habits, health conditions and emotional issues can make you more likely to experience ED. Risk factors include:
- Being over age 50
- Having diabetes
- Having high blood pressure
- Having cardiovascular disease
- Having high cholesterol
- Being overweight or obese
- Having had treatment for cancer near the pelvis
- Depression, stress and/or anxiety
- Smoking, drug and/or alcohol use
Diagnosing erectile dysfunction
Our highly trained team of urology specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating erectile dysfunction.
When diagnosing ED, finding the cause is important so your doctor can determine the best treatment. To diagnose ED, your doctor may:
Discuss your health history and symptoms – Your doctor may ask questions about your health history and lifestyle, your symptoms and your stress and emotional health. Some of the questions may be private in nature, but it’s important to answer honestly to help your doctor find the cause of your erectile dysfunction.
Perform a physical exam – Your doctor will examine your testicles and penis, listen to your heart and lungs and check your blood pressure. Your doctor may also recommend a rectal exam to check your prostate.
Perform tests – Your doctor may perform blood or urine tests to rule out other conditions. He or she may also perform additional erectile function tests to help determine the best treatment or reassess following treatment.
Recommended Erectile Dysfuntion Products
There are plenty of myths surrounding sex and sexual behavior. The main reason for this is that most people prefer to suffer in silence than open up about their intimate issues.
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