How to treat the root cause (not just the symptoms) of erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or maintain an erection. It’s a common condition that affects men of all ages, but it’s especially common in older men. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 5% of 40-year-old men and 15% to 25% of 65-year-old men experience ED.
While there are many potential causes of ED, it’s often a result of a combination of physical and psychological factors. Physical causes include:
- cardiovascular disease
- obesity
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- diabetes
- metabolic syndrome
- parkinson’s disease
- multiple sclerosis
- hormonal imbalances
- injury to the nerves or arteries
- chronic illnesses, such as kidney disease or liver disease
- substance abuse
- medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and blood pressure medications
Psychological causes include:
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
- relationship problems
Diagnosis
If you’re experiencing ED, make an appointment with your doctor. They can perform a physical exam and order lab tests to rule out any underlying health conditions. They may also ask about your:
- medical history, including any chronic health conditions or medications you take
- symptoms, including when they started and how often they occur
- lifestyle, including your diet, exercise routine, and alcohol and drug use
- psychological history, including any previous mental health conditions
- sexual history, including how often you have sex and whether you experience any difficulties, such as premature ejaculation or difficulty achieving orgasm
Based on the results of your physical exam and lab tests, your doctor may refer you to a urologist or psychologist for further testing and treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for ED will vary depending on the underlying cause. In many cases, it may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery. Some potential treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes. Making lifestyle changes, such as exercising more, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking, may help improve ED. Losing weight can also help.
- Psychotherapy. If your ED is caused by psychological factors, such as stress or anxiety, psychotherapy may be an effective treatment. This may involve individual or couples therapy.
- Medication. There are many potential medications that can be used to treat ED, including oral medications, injections, and suppositories. These medications include:
- oral medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra)
- injections, such as alprostadil (Caverject),