HEALTH CONDITION

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. There are various potential causes for ED, including physical and psychological factors. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, oral medications, injections, vacuum devices, and sometimes surgery.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) include:
• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
• Reduced sexual desire
• Problems with ejaculation
• Pain during sexual intercourse
Causes
There are a number of potential causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). Some common causes include:
• Physical causes: Diseases like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and neurological disorders can contribute to ED.
• Medications: Certain prescription medications like antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and others can cause ED as a side effect.
• Psychological causes: Stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns may lead to ED.
• Lifestyle factors: Things like smoking, excessive alcohol use, lack of exercise, and poor diet can negatively impact sexual functioning.
• Injuries: Injuries to the penis, prostate, bladder, spinal cord or pelvis may cause nerve damage leading to ED.
Treatment
Personalized treatment for erectile dysfunction may include prescription medication to help improve erections. Your clinician may prescribe PDE5 inhibitor medications like sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) when medically appropriate. In addition to medication, your clinician may also recommend lifestyle changes and suggest over-the-counter treatments to help manage your erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction

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Frequently asked questions

How is ED diagnosed?
ED or erectile dysfunction is typically diagnosed through a physical exam and discussion of symptoms with your doctor. They may ask questions about your medical history and perform tests to help determine the cause. Some common ways ED is diagnosed include:
• Discussion of symptoms like trouble getting or maintaining an erection
• Physical exam to assess genitals and nerve function
• Blood and urine tests to check for underlying conditions
• Assessment of risk factors like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, smoking
If the cause is difficult to determine, your doctor may recommend specialized tests like nocturnal penile tumescence testing, ultrasound, or psychological assessment. The goal is to pinpoint any physical or mental health issues contributing to ED.
Treating the underlying cause, whether through lifestyle changes, managing other health conditions, or ED medication, can often improve symptoms.
What lifestyle changes can help treat ED?
There are several lifestyle changes that may help treat erectile dysfunction (ED):
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke - Smoking restricts blood flow and damages blood vessels, which can contribute to ED.
• Limit alcohol intake - Drinking too much alcohol can cause ED by affecting the nervous system.
• Exercise regularly - Aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, or cycling helps improve blood flow which is important for getting an erection.
• Maintain a healthy weight - Being overweight or obese increases your risk for ED. Losing weight may help improve symptoms.
• Reduce stress - Finding ways to manage stress through relaxation techniques, counseling, or spending time on hobbies can lessen ED issues.
In addition, consider talking to your doctor about treatment options that may help with ED.
What self-care tips help with ED?
Here are some self-care tips that may help with erectile dysfunction (ED):
• Try to limit alcohol intake as it can contribute to ED.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products as they can negatively impact blood flow.
• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep good blood flow.
• Reduce stress through relaxation techniques like meditation as stress can affect sexual functioning.
• Communicate openly with your partner about your concerns.
• Take any ED medications as prescribed by your provider
If self-care tips don't help, speak to your healthcare provider.
What ED medications are available?
There are several medications available to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Some options include:
• PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. These help relax blood vessels to improve blood flow.
• Hormone therapy may help if low testosterone levels are causing ED.
• Alprostadil is an injection medication that relaxes blood vessels and improves blood flow.
It's important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine which medication may be best for your situation. They will consider your medical history and any other medications you take to decide what's appropriate.
What are side effects of ED medications?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) medications like sildenafil (Viagra) can have some side effects. The most common side effects are headaches, flushing, upset stomach, abnormal vision (such as changes in color vision), stuffy or runny nose, back pain, muscle pain, nausea, dizziness, and rash. Most side effects are mild and tend to go away after a few hours. Rarely, ED medications can cause sudden vision loss or sudden hearing decrease or loss - if you experience these, stop taking the medication and seek medical attention right away.
Who gets erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, can affect men of any age. Some common causes and risk factors for developing ED include:
• Age - As men get older, erections may not be as firm or last as long due to decreased blood flow.
• Medical conditions - Heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and prostate cancer treatment can increase risk for ED.
• Medications - Many common medicines like blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, and antihistamines can make it difficult to get and maintain an erection.
• Lifestyle factors - Alcohol, tobacco use, illegal drug use, and lack of physical activity play a role in ED.
If you're experiencing erectile dysfunction, there are treatment options that can help. Consider speaking to your doctor or accessing Amazon One Medical Pay-per-visit's convenient online ED treatment to explore solutions.
Is ED a normal part of aging?
No, erectile dysfunction (ED) is not a normal part of aging. While it is true that as men get older, changes in blood flow and erectile function may occur, ED is never normal at any age. There are often underlying physical or psychological causes of ED that can frequently be addressed.
Some potential causes of ED include:
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol use
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues
The good news is there are many effective ED treatments available, ranging from oral medications like Viagra and Cialis, to injections, implants, and lifestyle changes. Appropriate treatment can often significantly improve your symptoms.
Can ED be cured?
Yes, in many cases erectile dysfunction (ED) can be effectively treated and cured. There are several treatment options available, including oral medications like Viagra or Cialis, injections, vacuum devices, or lifestyle changes.
Some potential causes of ED that treatments can address include:
• Reduced blood flow to the penis
• Nerve damage from diabetes, surgery, or injury
• Side effects of certain medications
• Psychological factors like stress or anxiety
• Unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive drinking, or lack of exercise
The most effective ED treatment depends on the underlying cause. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, exercising more, and reducing stress can help. Medications like Viagra, Cialis, or injection therapies may also be options. In some cases, treating an underlying condition like diabetes or high blood pressure can improve ED. Consulting a doctor is important to determine the best treatment plan.

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