If you have erectile dysfunction (ED), you are not alone – and you have treatment options.
Most importantly, don’t ignore underlying causes. ED can be caused by diminished blood flow, and if you have it there you most likely have decreased blood flow elsewhere, such as to your heart, brain, and other vital organs. Use this as a wake-up call.
Some medical issues can cause ED, and the key is to get the proper treatment. This can help prevent related health problems and improve sexual function. Conditions that can cause ED or make it worse include:
- Heart disease
- High Blood Pressure
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Tobacco Use
- Alcohol or drug use
- Chronic kidney disease
- Depression, anxiety, ongoing stress, and other mental health conditions
Some prescription medications can also cause or play a role in ED. These include drugs to treat depression and high blood pressure. Don’t stop or change prescription medications unless your health care provider tells you to.
As mentioned above, ED can be caused or worsened by stress, anxiety, or depression. And conversely, ED can create stress and relationship tension. If any of these issues affect you, seeing a psychologist may be a good next step. In addition, you might ask your partner to join you in seeing a certified sexual therapist.
And finally, some ED is due to low levels of testosterone. This hormone plays an integral part in erectile function and sex drive. Testosterone replacement therapy may be part of the answer.
Available treatments at the Rocky Mountain Laser College:
A comprehensive appointment with detailed blood workup, provided by Dr. Darrick Payne, is the cornerstone of our success with ED therapy.
We are able to treat blood flow issues with both medications and shockwave therapy, can evaluate underlying health issues and offer suggestions, and treat low testosterone with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.