It’s not easy to talk about, but erectile dysfunction (ED) isn’t just a bedroom issue. It’s a signal from your body letting you know something is off physically or emotionally.
If intimacy is a source of stress and self-doubt, you need to know that you’re not broken and you don’t need to figure it out on your own. ED affects men of all ages for a wide range of reasons, many of which are treatable.
At MyFitMed in Dallas, Frisco, Heath, and Southlake, Texas, our team of endocrinology and metabolism specialists are here to listen, assess, and provide real solutions. From lifestyle changes to medical support, we take a whole-person approach when managing ED.
Here’s how we can help.
About erectile dysfunction
ED is when you’re unable to regularly get and maintain an erection long enough for sexual activity. It’s the most common sex-related condition affecting men. But ED is more than a sexual performance issue.
Erections are more complex than you might realize, requiring a chain of events that involve your brain, hormones, blood vessels, and emotions. If one part is off, whether you’re stressed about work or have a circulatory condition, your penis may not work as you expect.
While we treat ED as a medical condition, it’s more of a symptom with many possible causes. While it’s easy to order pills online, there’s no quick fix for erectile dysfunction and the best way to treat it is to address the underlying issue.
Why it happens
ED can happen for any number of reasons, which is why it affects men at all ages. Common underlying causes include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Low testosterone (Low T)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Depression
- Stress
- Relationship problems
- Drug use
- Excessive alcohol intake
Health conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol may affect blood flow and sensation in the penis, making it more difficult to get and maintain an erection. Medications that treat common conditions like high blood pressure and depression may also interfere with sexual function.
Because your body and mind need to work together for sexual activity, any mental or emotional issue may cause or worsen the problem.
How we treat ED
Before making any treatment plans, we conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the source of your ED. We ask about your medical and family history, diet and exercise habits, and sources of stress. We also request bloodwork to check sex hormone levels.
Taking a whole-person approach, treatment for ED may include:
- Management of underlying diseases
- Weight loss
- Diet and exercise plan
- ED prescription medication
If we find that your testosterone levels are low, we may recommend hormone therapy. Restoring hormone levels may improve libido and erections. We provide testosterone replacement in many forms, including pellets that go under the skin, delivering a steady dose of hormones day and night.
While some treatments alleviate symptoms quickly, we want to provide a plan that benefits your sexual and overall health now and in the future.
Erectile dysfunction is common, but a difficult subject to discuss for many men. But you’re not alone and we can help. Call us today or book an appointment online to schedule a consultation with our experts.