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Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction, or ED, can be a sensitive topic but at Saint Vincent Medical Group we provide a confidential, safe environment for our patients to discuss their concerns. While this condition is easily self-diagnosed, the underlying cause and treatments vary. Turn to our medical professionals to assist with determining the best treatment plan.

What is ED?

Erectile Dysfunction is the consistent inability to sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.

Statistics Surrounding ED

It is very common, with more than 3 million cases arising in the United States each year. It can occur at any age, although it is much more frequent in older men. Statistically, 5% of men aged 40 and older have complete erectile dysfunction with 15% of men aged 70 and older experiencing it.

Symptoms of ED

Simply put, the symptoms include:

  • Difficulty Getting an Erection
  • Difficulty Keeping an Erection
  • Overall Reduced Sexual Desire

Causes of ED

This condition emerges due to an abundance of causes or conditions. It can be triggered by psychological factors like depression, as well as physical disorders such as an injury or a disease. Some of these include, but are not limited to, the following:

Psychological or Environmental

  • Smoking
  • Alcoholism
  • Drug Abuse
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Lack of Sleep
  • Partner Communication

Physical

  • Injury – Directly to the Penis or the Spinal Cord
  • Low Testosterone
  • Hormonal Disorders
  • Treatment for Prostate Cancer
  • BPH/Enlarged Prostate
  • Heart Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • High Cholesterol
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Blocked Arteries
  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Peyronie’s Disease
  • A Side-Effect of Certain Medications

Treatment for ED

Once the cause has been determined then the best treatment can be applied. In the case of psychological or environmental erectile dysfunction, patients should seek help through counseling to work through underlying emotional issues. Sometimes simple lifestyle changes are all that is necessary. Those who smoke should quit. Alcohol should be reduced or avoided. Both psychological and physical erectile dysfunction might be improved by incorporating exercise into a daily routine. This along with a healthier diet can lead to positive benefits both physically and emotionally.

Your urologist from Saint Vincent Medical Group will help you determine the best course of treatment. The following will be considered:

  • Medications
  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Penile injections to improve erections
  • Penile reconstructive surgery, and the use of XIAFLEX® injections in Peyronie’s disease
  • Penile implants

Schedule Your Appointment

Feel confident that the team at Saint Vincent Medical Group is ready to assist you with determining the cause and recommending the best treatment for erectile dysfunction. There is no need to be embarrassed or ashamed. Contact us to schedule your appointment.