If you’re suffering from erectile dysfunction, you aren’t alone. Around three in 10 male adults will experience ED at some point in life, and you shouldn’t be ashamed to reach out to your doctor for help. You may be surprised to learn that erectile dysfunction can actually be caused by a variety of conditions, and treating your underlying condition could be the key to improving your quality of life.
Experiencing ED from time to time is possible, but if you find that you’re having trouble maintaining an erection at least half of the time, it isn’t normal. It’s no surprise that erectile dysfunction can cause problems in your relationships and a large amount of stress. You should let your doctor know as soon as possible so you can find out what’s causing your ED and get on the road to treatment.
Common causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Low testosterone
- Alcohol use
- Tobacco use
- Depression
- Certain injuries
- Certain medications
- Neurological problems
- Diabetes
If you think you may have erectile dysfunction, schedule an appointment with your doctor. Don’t put it off and wait for things to get worse or other symptoms to develop. Your doctor will ask you a few health and lifestyle-related questions, perform a physical exam and likely do some tests and imaging procedures to find out what’s going on.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction depends on the underlying cause. Your doctor will be able to talk through the treatment options available and which ones are best for you. Common treatments include medication, vacuum erection devices and surgery. Remember that if you’re suffering from an underlying condition that’s causing ED, treating that condition can improve or even eliminate your ED symptoms entirely. Every person and situation is different, but it all starts with reaching out to your doctor.
At Arkansas Urology, we’re here for you. Our patients’ health has been and will always be our top priority! Do you need to schedule an appointment? Contact us today or book your appointment online.
