Erectile Dysfunction

At Florida Urology Center, our goal is to help patients recover their sexual self-confidence and return to an active, fulfilling sex life because ED isn’t just a natural part of aging that you’re stuck accepting. Guys with ED have several erectile dysfunction treatment options to consider, depending on the reason for their ED. The sooner you learn about ED treatment alternatives, the sooner you can go back to sharing and enjoying intimate moments with your significant other.

Erectile dysfunction is a common and treatable medical condition. In the United States, roughly 40% of men are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED) by age 40, and that number rises to approximately 50% to 70% as men reach their 50s, 60s, and 70s.¹ More often than not, erectile dysfunction can become a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness, and it can take a real toll on partners, both physically and emotionally.

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What Are the Symptoms of ED?

If you are over the age of 40, chances are that you are not performing quite the way you used to in your 20s; however, ED can impact young men as well. We understand that thousands of men have some sort of erectile dysfunction or impotence. Some of your symptoms may include:

• Difficulty in reaching an erection
• Inability to keep a firm erection
• Having little to no sexual desire
• Some other problem that interferes with the ability to have sexual intercourse

Before recommending treatment, our physicians will discuss your symptoms with you in detail to get a thorough understanding of any underlying medical conditions.

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What Are the Common Causes of ED?

• Aging, depression, constant stress or anxiety
• Physical Injury
• Diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
• Surgery such as a prostatectomy
• Substance use such as drugs, smoking, alcohol or prescription medications

Diagnosis

There are many different body parts that play an essential role for a man to get and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. Beyond the physical causes that can lead to ED, it has been reported that 20% of ED is related to psychological causes².  With so many possibilities leading to erectile dysfunction, it becomes particularly important to find a specialist who can correctly diagnosis the direct cause of your ED and find a treatment option that is right for you. Your Florida Urology Center urologist can determine a personalized treatment plan.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

There are a variety of methods for treating erectile dysfunction, but your diagnosis will determine which treatment option is right for you. All decisions regarding your best option for treating ED should be made between you and your physician, with consideration given to your individual needs and the risks and benefits of each treatment option.

Treatment Options Include:

• Drug Therapy (Oral Medications) – When lifestyle changes alone don’t work, drug therapy is normally the next step. Most of these medications work similarly to enhance a natural chemical in your body that relaxes the muscles in your penis. The goal of this medication is to increase your response to sexual stimulation by increasing the blood flow in your penis, allowing you to get an erection.
• Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) – Low testosterone can contribute to ED, reduced sexual desire, and fatigue. If blood work shows a hormone imbalance, our physicians may recommend BHRT, which uses hormones chemically identical to those your body produces, to help restore healthy levels. Learn more about BHRT at Florida Urology Center.
• Penile Injection Therapy – This ED treatment delivers drugs that expand the blood vessels and increase blood flow.
• Vacuum Therapy or Penile Pumps – These devices are placed over the penis to draw blood into the shaft. Once the vacuum creates an erection, the retaining band is slid into place and the pump is removed. An erection typically will last long enough for intercourse.
• Penile Implants – When other treatments haven’t helped, a penile implant may be the right solution. Learn more about penile implant surgery below.

Surgical Treatment Option

Medical therapy for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) has improved tremendously, but some men find medication and/or all non-surgical options ineffective in achieving satisfactory erections.

Candidates include men experiencing permanent erectile dysfunction (ED) or severe structural penile conditions who have not found success or relief with conservative treatments, or those who have experienced underlying health issues or prostate cancer.

In these cases, penile implant surgery is a treatment option. This procedure involves the placement of an internal device, called a “penile prosthesis,” that restores your ability to have erections and sexual intercourse.

Your specialist physician will have a detailed discussion with you regarding your individual goals for what you want to achieve with therapy for ED, and review all options to optimize and restore your sexual quality of life.

Dr. Thomas – Have you considered a penile implant?

Dr. Thomas discussion on penile implants

To view the library of videos by Dr. Shawn Thomas on erectile dysfunction, penile implants and pre- and post-operative information, click here.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

The opportunity for change! Many men experience results after their first visit to Florida Urology Center. We provide several treatment options for ED that have been proven effective for many patients. The first step is for you to seek treatment. Your physical exam and private discussion with one of our specialists is the beginning to a personalized path for your ED treatment. We know how important this is to your physical, mental, and overall health, as well as to the relationship with your significant other.

Lifestyle Changes

The same healthy lifestyle tips your doctor has been recommending for years may also help treat your ED:

• Quitting smoking
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Losing weight
• Exercising regularly
• Reducing stress

These steps aren’t an instant fix, but they may improve your blood flow and nerve functioning. If you’re having trouble sticking to these goals, ask your spouse or partner to join you. Getting healthy together and trying new things as a couple can be a great bonding experience and can strengthen your relationship.

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Florida Urology Center has board certified physicians specializing in Erectile Dysfunction.
To learn more, contact us or request an appointment.

¹ _{National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, October 2024, https://www.niddk.nih.gov/}

² _{Khera M, Goldstein I. 2011. Erectile dysfunction. BMJ Clinical Evidence. http://www.clinicalevidence.com.}

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