Erectile Dysfuntion

Most men have a hard time talking about erectile dysfunction, so it may help to know that 10% of all men can’t have an erection, and many more report having mild to moderate erection problems. At Vantage Health and Wellness, Michael Jurewicz, MD, Sumit De, MD, and the team offer customized treatment for erectile dysfunction that includes patient education, lifestyle recommendations, and safe, effective medical options. If you’re ready to regain a healthy sex life, call the New York City, New York office or book an appointment online today.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction occurs when you can’t have an erection, or you can’t maintain an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. Though it’s common for men to occasionally have erection problems, it’s not normal to have them regularly.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction has many possible causes. Anxiety, stress, depression, and fatigue affect your ability to have an erection. Relationship problems and substance use disorders also increase your risk of having erection problems.

Many health conditions can cause erectile dysfunction, including:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Low testosterone
• Cardiovascular disease
• Peyronie’s disease
• Neurologic disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Blood vessel problems are one of the top causes of erectile dysfunction. Erections only occur when blood flows into the penis, so any health condition that blocks the blood supply can prevent erections. 

For example, the same cholesterol plaque that builds up in the arteries of your heart can also develop in the arteries delivering blood to your penis. As the plaque enlarges, it limits blood flow and causes erectile dysfunction.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

The first line of treatment targets any underlying health conditions causing your erectile dysfunction. The team also offers many erectile dysfunction treatments, including:

Oral medications

Prescription medications for erectile dysfunction include:

• Sildenafil (Viagra®)
• Tadalafil (Cialis®)
• Vardenafil (Levitra®)
• Avanafil (Stendra®)
  

These medications only work when you’re sexually aroused, causing an erection by increasing the blood flow to your penis.

Injected medications

You use a very fine needle to inject TriMix, a trio of medications (alprostadil, papaverine, prostaglandin)  into the side of your penis. TriMix injections cause an erection that lasts about 30 minutes or until you climax.

Intraurethral therapy

This treatment also contains alprostadil, but instead of an injection, the medication is in the form of a suppository that you insert into your penis.

Hormone replacement therapy

The team treats low testosterone with hormone replacement therapy to restore normal hormone levels.

Vacuum erection device

This device consists of a plastic tube that goes over your penis. A pump creates a low-pressure vacuum that increases blood flow and causes an erection. You place an elastic ring onto your penis, which sustains your erection for about 30 minutes.

Penile implants

You can also choose to have semi-rigid or inflatable implants surgically inserted into your penis. If you choose this treatment, the team will refer you to a trusted surgeon.

Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that uses high-energy, acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow in the penis to improve the quality of erections. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

PRP is found in your own blood and contains essential growth factors that help heal soft tissues. Injections of PRP into the penis can also reduce tissue inflammation and enhance blood circulation in the area. 

If you need help with erectile dysfunction, call Vantage Health and Wellness or schedule an appointment online today.