ED Specialist

How do I know if I have erectile dysfunction?

Most men occasionally have trouble getting and keeping an erection, but if it’s happening often enough that it impacts your sex life, you may have erectile dysfunction (ED). It’s a relatively common condition and one that you shouldn’t be embarrassed to address with your urologist.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

ED can result from underlying health problems and psychological issues, both directly and indirectly related to sex. If you still get erections on your own but not with your partner, ED might be the result of anxiety. If you find it difficult to get an erection in any situation, you may have a health condition that’s affecting the flow of blood to your penis.

Factors that can contribute to ED include:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• High cholesterol/atherosclerosis
• Low testosterone (hypogonadism)
• Diabetes
• Prostate cancer
• Anxiety and depression
• Tobacco and alcohol use

Erectile dysfunction may also be a side effect of certain prescription medications.

What are the treatment options for erectile dysfunction?

First, your doctor at Advanced Urology of South Florida discusses your symptoms with you to help identify the source of your erectile dysfunction. ED can often be resolved by addressing an underlying medical condition.

In addition to helping you manage related conditions, your urologist may recommend one of the following medications or procedures to effectively restore erectile function:

Viagra® (sildenafil)

Viagra is a prescription drug you can take before sex, helping you achieve an erection at the right time. By itself, taking Viagra won’t automatically give you an erection. Rather, for three to five hours after you take Viagra, you’ll be able to get and maintain an erection in response to sexual stimulation.  

Injectable treatments

Your doctor may prescribe an injectable ED drug, such as alprostadil, which you’ll take when you’re ready for sex. Your doctor will show you how to safely and comfortably inject the medication. After injecting the medication, blood flow to your penis will increase, causing an erection within 10 to 30 minutes.

Penile implants

Your doctor may install a prosthetic device called a penile implant during an outpatient surgical procedure. You’ll be able to press on the implant to get an erection on command.

To explore your ED treatment options, call Advanced Urology of South Florida or use the convenient online booking tool.