Some experiences lend themselves to awkwardness, embarrassment, and discomfort, especially when they’re related to the ways in which our bodies work or don’t work. Any experience related to one’s libido or sexual health is notably uncomfortable. Talking about it, even with a health practitioner, can be just as distressing as the experience itself. We may feel as though we’ve had a personal failure when, realistically, sexual health and performance is often rooted in a medical issue. For men, erectile dysfunction can feel isolating, but it’s very prevalent.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, was once commonly known as impotence. It’s defined as not being able to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough to engage in sex or not long enough to have sex. ED is also diagnosed when a man can experience an erection but can’t experience it every time he wants to engage in sexual activity.
Having ED can be frustrating for both the man experiencing it and his partner. A healthy sex life is important to having a great quality of life and loving relationships. Fortunately, ED is treatable and there are multiple ways to help treat it.
Who Experiences ED?
Approximately thirty million men in the US experience ED. The common assumption is that ED develops because of age. That can be true. As we age our hormone levels decrease, including testosterone, which is so important to male sexual function, but it’s not the only cause. ED can develop because of a variety of illnesses, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiac disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Vascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Age
- Injury
- Cancer
Some medications can cause ED, too:
- Some ulcer medications
- High blood pressure medications
- Antidepressants or tranquilizers
- Antiandrogens (used to treat prostate cancer)
- Appetite suppressants
Other causes of ED might be:
- Stress
- Fear of failure during sex
- An anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Being overweight and/or sedentary
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol and illegal drug use
There are numerous possible causes of erectile dysfunction. Your health practitioner can help you figure out what’s causing yours and how to treat it.
Diagnosing and Treating Erectile Dysfunction
Talking about ED isn’t easy and may be uncomfortable regardless of how comfortable you are with your medical provider. The only way to obtain treatment, though, is to get a diagnosis. To diagnose ED, your provider might:
- Do a physical examination
- Ask questions about your sexual history
- Ask questions about your current sexual function
- Order lab tests, including evaluating your hormone levels
- Ask about your lifestyle, including stressors and relationship status
Although these tests are the most common, your provider may order additional testing like an ultrasound. Once ED is diagnosed, you and your provider can discuss treatment options. There are many treatment options available, including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and oral medications among others.
The most important thing you can do is talk to your provider. They can’t help if they don’t know you’re experiencing a problem with sexual health.
Summit Lifestyle Medicine
If you’re in Maryville, IL or the surrounding areas, Summit Lifestyle Medicine can determine the cause of and treatment for ED. Our practitioner, Phil Dudak, is both a family nurse practitioner and a chiropractic physician whose training allows him to treat you with both traditional and complementary medicine. Call today for an appointment so you can begin to enjoy your sex life again.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.
