Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is more common than you may realize, affecting 18% of men over 20, often having a devastating impact on their emotional and sexual health. As urology experts, Cynthia Moorman, MD, and the team at Urology Consultants of Maryland specialize in identifying the cause of your erectile dysfunction and helping you find treatments that fit your lifestyle and help you regain a fulfilling sex life. Call the office in Frederick, Maryland, or request an appointment online to overcome difficulty having an erection.

Do occasional problems mean I have erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a broad term ranging from a complete inability to have an erection to problems like brief erections and an inconsistent ability to have erections.

In other words, you have erectile dysfunction if you can’t achieve or maintain an erection that fills the sexual needs of you or your partner.

Nearly every man experiences difficulty having or maintaining an erection at least once in their lifetime. It becomes a problem when it occurs often enough to affect your personal life and mental well-being.

Why do I have erectile dysfunction?

You may be surprised at the numerous causes of erectile dysfunction. Being tired, stressed, depressed, or anxious affect your ability to have an erection. Drinking too much alcohol and smoking cigarettes can also contribute to the problem.

You’re more likely to develop erectile dysfunction as you get older because men’s testosterone levels decline with age. But that doesn’t mean that sexual problems are a natural part of aging.

Your erectile dysfunction can develop as a result of an underlying health problem, such as:

• Low testosterone
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Vascular disease (clogged arteries)
• Peyronie’s disease
• Neurologic disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Any condition that limits blood flow can lead to erectile dysfunction. For example, tobacco from cigarettes damages blood vessels, and the arteries carrying blood to your penis can get clogged if you have high cholesterol. Following a healthy lifestyle can go a long way toward preventing many causes of erectile dysfunction.

What treatment might I need for erectile dysfunction?

The experienced team at Urology Consultants of Maryland offers a wide range of treatments for erectile dysfunction. In addition to diagnosing and treating any underlying conditions, your treatment may include:

Erectile dysfunction medications

Medications like Viagra®, Cialis®, Levitra®, and Stendra® give you a strong erection after you feel sexually aroused. You also have other options, such as a medication in injectable or suppository form that gives you an erection within 5-20 minutes.

Hormone replacement

Your provider recommends taking hormones if your erectile dysfunction is caused by low testosterone.

Therapy

Urology Consultants of Maryland may recommend seeing a counselor or therapist to address any mental health issues that may be contributing to erectile dysfunction.

Assistive devices

Assistive options include vacuum devices that improve blood flow and implantable devices. Penile implants include a rod you bend for an erection and a device you inflate when you want an erection.

Call Urology Consultants of Maryland or use online booking today if you need help with occasional or frequent erectile dysfunction.