Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to have or maintain an erection which is suitable for sexual intercourse.
There are many causes of erectile dysfunction, including physical, emotional and hormonal.
Physical causes include:
Heart disease
Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome, a condition involving increased blood pressure, high insulin levels, body fat around the waist and high cholesterol
Parkinson's disease
Multiple sclerosis
Low testosterone
Peyronie's disease, development of scar tissue inside the penis
Certain prescription medications
Tobacco use
Alcoholism and other forms of substance abuse
Treatments for prostate cancer or enlarged prostate
Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
Emotional causes include:
Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
Stress
Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns
Treatment of erectile dysfunction
The condition underlying the erectile difficulties will be explored and treated accordingly. This may lead to a referral to a another specialist (cardiologist/physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, endocrinologist) to ensure holistic treatment.
Urological treatments may include medications such as Viagra or Cialis, injections or hormone replacement therapy.
