Each year, between 15–30 million men are diagnosed with erectile
dysfunction (ED). This condition is caused by a number of contributing
factors and results in an inability to achieve or maintain an erection.
Also known as impotence, this health issue can be caused by physical factors
brought on by old age or psychological factors such as stress or anxiety.
No matter the reason for erectile dysfunction, men should know it is treatable.
West Jefferson Medical Center helps more and more men seeking treatment
each year.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), sometimes also referred to as impotence, means
you can’t get an erection. It may also mean you aren’t happy
with the size, hardness, or longevity of your erections.
What causes ED?
In the past, ED was often considered a psychological problem. However,
it’s now understood that, for many men, ED has a physiologic cause.
There are a variety of different types of and causes of ED. Some of the
most common include:
Premature ejaculation
Performance anxiety
Depression (some antidepressants can cause erection problems, too)
Organic impotence, involving the hardening of arteries or veins in the penis
Diabetes
Nervous system conditions, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal
cord injuries
Medicine-induced impotence (blood pressure medicine, anti-anxiety and antidepressant
medicines, glaucoma eye drops, and cancer chemotherapy medicines are just
some of the many medications that can cause ED)
Hormone-induced impotence, due to issues with the amount of hormones the
body is producing
Low-testosterone, atype of hormone-induced importance that is linked to ED
Lifestyle choices, including smoking, excessive alcohol use, being overweight,
and not getting enough exercise
Treatment for ED
Treating your ED will depend on the cause of the problem, which a healthcare
provider can help determine through a combination of diagnostic tests,
physical and mental health exams.
Common treatments include:
Lifestyle changes, like cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, losing
weight, and getting more exercise
Reviewing medications that might be causing a problem
Going to therapy to decrease stress and anxiety
Taking prescription medicines to treat ED directly
Testosterone therapy
Using a vacuum device to create an erection
Intracavernosal injection therapy
Penile implants
Learn more about potential treatment options by calling our clinic at
504.934-8100.
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