Standing Tall With Erectile Dysfunction

Your Penis Is Not Broken. It Just Needs A Tune-up.

There are few things more upsetting than getting all hot and heavy with your partner and not being able to keep it up. Before you fall into panic mode and wonder why this is happening to you, know that you are not alone. In the United States alone, more than 30 million men find themselves struggling with the same issue. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability for a man to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity. While it’s common to fear that this is permanent, know that there are plenty of treatments that can get you back in the saddle in no time.

If you’re struggling to maintain an erection or unable to achieve an erection at all, it’s important to reach out to your physician to discuss your condition and possible treatment options. Let’s be real, if the gun can’t fire bullets, it can be a rough blow to your ego. An inability to hold an erection can leave you marked with low-self esteem, depression, anxiety and cause a strain on relationships. It’s best to deal with the issue quickly before immense psychological issues rise up and take hold.

Age Is Just A Number

So, you think you’re too young to get ED? While the probability of having erectile dysfunction increases with age, it is not uncommon for it to develop during your 20s, 30s or 40s. Age aside, here are some other common contributing factors:

• Cardiovascular Disease
• Diabetes
• Depression
• Injury or Trauma to the Penis
• Hypertension
• High Cholesterol
• Excessive Alcohol Consumption
• Recreational & Medical Drug Use
• Smoking
• Sedentary Lifestyle
• Neurological Conditions
• Hormonal Deficiencies
• Pelvic Radiation
• Peyronie’s Disease

Communication Is Key

Undoubtedly, this is a sensitive issue for men, but it is essential to be open and discuss this with your physician as well as your sexual partner. Be honest and give your doctor all the details about your symptoms and lifestyle, so they can help find out what solution is best for you. You might just need to tweak your lifestyle to get a bit more spice back in your tamale.

Here’s a sample of lifestyle adjustments your physician might recommend:

• Maintain Healthy Diet
• Get Regular Exercise
• Seek Psychological Counseling
• Limit Alcohol Consumption
• Treat Depression & Anxiety
• Discontinue Certain Medications
• Relieve Stress
• Stop Smoking

There’s a possibility that not making these changes are all that’s coming between you and your ability to rise to the occasion. But, if you are experiencing ED as a result of a more serious health issue, there are many treatment options available to you as well.

Treatment: Separating Fact From Fiction

When it comes to treatment, there are several options available to you. It’s important to manage expectations and understand that what works for one person, might not work for you. You may have to explore different options and meet with different specialists to find a solution that meets your situation.

Dr. Alter has been helping men with ED for decades. He understands the importance of creating treatment plans that address your individual needs. Some men will require surgery to address their ED condition, while others may find relief through non-surgical means, using shockwave laser therapy which many patients have reported improvement after a single treatment.