Take Control: Discussing Erectile Dysfunction with Your Provider Can Change Your Life

Erectile dysfunction (ED) can feel uncomfortable or embarrassing—but you’re not alone. More than 50% of men ages 40 to 70 experience ED. Talking with your provider can make all the difference. They can help you discover the many effective treatment options to improve your sexual health and satisfaction.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is when you have trouble getting or keeping an erection. If this happens only occasionally, it’s no cause for concern. But if the problem persists, you may want to talk to your doctor. Erectile dysfunction can cause stress and lower self-confidence. ED can lead to relationship issues and affect sexual satisfaction. It can also signal that you might have an underlying medical condition. Talking with your primary care provider is a great place to start. They can find the cause of your symptoms and screen for any other health concerns.

A Urologist Answers Common Questions about Erectile Dysfunction

Cara Cimmino, MD, a urologist at Emory Healthcare, hears common questions and misconceptions about ED from her patients. Here are some of the things she wants everyone to know:

• ED can be a normal part of aging. While ED can have many different causes, it can also be a normal part of aging. There isn’t always something “wrong,” but Dr. Cimmino helps patients find treatments to address ED. “We’re not surprised when our hair grays or we need a joint replacement. But we are surprised when our erections aren’t as strong. Sometimes, it’s just another part of aging.”
• Your heart health affects erections. Heart disease or high blood pressure can play a part in ED because erections need strong blood flow.
• You have more treatment options than pills. Lifestyle changes, medications, hormone therapy, devices and implants can all improve symptoms. The key is to find the right treatment for your goals and the underlying causes of your ED.
• If you take pills, be sure to follow the directions. Some medications must be taken on an empty stomach or at least an hour beforehand. Check the instructions to make sure you’re using the medicine correctly for the best results. Dr. Cimmino notes that pills only help you maintain an erection: “You still need to be mentally stimulated because your brain initiates arousal.”
• You can talk to your PCP or a urologist. Not sure who to share your concerns with? Your primary care provider is a great place to start. You can also make an appointment with a urologist, a physician specializing in the male urinary and reproductive system.

Erectile Dysfunction Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of erectile dysfunction are:

• Difficulty getting an erection
• Difficulty keeping an erection
• Inability to keep an erection during sex

If you experience these symptoms, talk with your primary care provider. They can diagnose you after a short physical exam and some health questions. Then, you can find an effective treatment option.

Erectile Dysfunction Causes and Risk Factors

What causes erectile dysfunction? Many things work together to create arousal and erections. Your brain, hormones, muscles, blood vessels, heart and nerves play a part. If one of these isn’t working as it should, it can lead to erectile dysfunction. The causes can be physical and psychological—and are often a combination of both.

Erectile dysfunction can affect someone at any age. However, your risk increases as you get older.

ED may be one of the first signs of many physical health problems. Our urologists can help determine what may be causing your ED. Some of the most common causes include:

• Cardiovascular disease that reduces blood flow to your pelvis
• Diabetic neuropathy (diabetes-related nerve damage)
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Injury in your lower back or pelvis
• Kidney disease
• Low testosterone
• Multiple sclerosis
• Prescription medications (antidepressants, antihistamines and some blood pressure medications)
• Stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression
• Substance use (alcohol, marijuana and tobacco)
• Surgery or treatment for prostate or bladder cancer

Injuries, surgeries or cancer in the pelvic area can also affect your sexual function. For example, if you have or received treatment for prostate cancer, you may have a higher chance of erectile dysfunction.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Treatments for erectile dysfunction address the many factors that contribute to the condition. Talking to your provider is the first step to finding the right treatment. You must understand what is causing your erectile dysfunction. Then, you can find the most effective treatment.

“Erectile dysfunction is not life-threatening, so we choose your treatment based on your goals,” says Dr. Cimmino. She often recommends her patients start with medication and hormone replacement therapy. If these treatments don’t work, then she will consider surgical implants.

Some standard treatment options include:

• Quit using tobacco or other substances.
• Oral medications - Medication can increase blood flow to the penis.
• Therapy - Talking with a psychologist or sex therapist can address underlying mental causes.
• Treatment for underlying health conditions -Treating health conditions like heart disease, diabetes or obesity can improve erectile dysfunction.
• Testosterone replacement therapy - Hormone replacement therapy via gel, injections, pellets or patches counteracts low testosterone.
• Vacuum erection device (penis pump) - A hollow tube creates a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis.
• Penile implants - A surgeon places a device that makes the penis hard.

Find Answers at Emory Healthcare Urology

If erectile dysfunction is disrupting your life, don’t let embarrassment hold you back. You can find treatment and have a satisfying sex life. The experts at Emory Healthcare Urology will treat you with respect and understanding.

About Emory Healthcare

Emory Healthcare, we’re here to help you find the care you need when you need it. With more than 3,450 physicians in over 70 specialties, 425 locations and 10 hospitals, as well as primary care offices, urgent cares, and MinuteClinics, we’re delivering specialized care across the region. Find a doctor near you to help you get and stay healthy.

To make an appointment with an Emory primary care provider, click the link below. Patients are now able to schedule appointments online, with some same-day and next-day access available.