Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction can be a sign of more serious health problems OR a simple procedure or treatment may be all you need to resolve the problem.

Dr. Herman and Dr. Kester, top South Florida urologists, serving the Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm Beach areas, specialize in the Diagnosis and Treatment of ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION. Call us immediately for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to maintain a firm erection long enough to have sex to the mutual satisfaction of both partners. Although erectile dysfunction is more common in older men, this common problem can occur at any age. Having trouble maintaining an erection from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. But if the problem is ongoing, it can cause stress and relationship problems and affect self-esteem.

Formerly called impotency, erectile dysfunction was once a taboo subject. It was considered a psychological issue or a natural consequence of growing older. These attitudes have changed in recent years. It’s now known that erectile dysfunction is more often caused by physical problems such as chronic health problems or the side effects of medication or perhaps a combination of health issues.

Although it can be embarrassing to talk with your doctor about sexual issues, seeking help for erectile dysfunction can be worth the effort. Erectile dysfunction treatments range from medications to surgery and can help restore sexual function for most men. Sometimes erectile dysfunction is caused by an underlying condition such as heart disease. So it’s important to take erectile trouble seriously because it can be a sign of a more serious health problem.

Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction include:

• Heart disease
• Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis) such as carotid artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Metabolic syndrome

Other Causes of Erectile Dysfunction include:

• Certain prescription medications
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism and other forms of drug abuse
• Treatments for prostate cancer
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Hormonal disorders such as low testosterone (hypogonadism)
• Peyronie’s disease
• Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic nerves or spinal cord
• In some cases, erectile dysfunction is one of the first signs of an underlying medical problem.

Psychological Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

The brain plays a key role in triggering the series of physical events that cause an erection, beginning with feelings of sexual excitement. A number of things can interfere with sexual feelings and lead to — or worsen — erectile dysfunction. These can include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Fatigue
• Poor communication or conflict with your partner

The physical and psychological causes of erectile dysfunction interact. For instance, a minor physical problem that slows sexual response may cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can worsen erectile dysfunction.

Call us immediately to schedule an appointment with Dr. Herman or Dr. Kester for the relief you deserve.