Erectile Dysfunction (or Impotence) is a man’s inability to attain and/or maintain an erection sufficient enough for sexual activity. Its persistence tends to cause personal issues such as stress, relationship problems, and affect self-confidence, which in turn makes it even more difficult to attain.
Symptoms:
Progressive Urology is here to help! Make an appointment if the following signs and symptoms are present:
- Trouble attaining an erection
- Trouble maintaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
Causes:
There are many factors that go into obtaining an erection – emotions, hormones, muscles, blood vessels, nerves and the brain. Thus, the diagnosis is an equally complex process. Doctors need to distinguish between two categories that can contribute to impotence: Physical and/or Psychological causes.
Physical Causes:
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Neurological Disorder (stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease)
- Vascular Diseases (atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol)
- Enlarged Prostate or BPH
- Prostate Cancer treatment
Other potential physical causes that are not necessarily disease-related include:
- Injury to the brain, spinal cord, pelvic, bladder, and penis
- Surgery for prostate cancer and bladder cancer
- Tobacco, alcohol or recreational drug use
- Prescription drugs
- Hormone problems (Low Testosterone)
- Venous leak (usually caused by injury or surgery)
Psychological Causes:
- Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
- Stress
- Exhaustion
- Relationship troubles
Although these causes can be primary contributing factors, many times they are responsible for worsening temporary impotent issues.
Diagnosis/ Workup
The possible causes of ED are disparate; therefore, finding the underlying source of your symptoms requires a variety of tests to rule out every case.
Psychological Evaluation
- Doctor will ask series of questions to screen for depression, anxiety and other psychological causes
Physical exam
- Breast enlargement to rule out hormonal issues
- Pulse to rule out any vascular issues (blood flow problems)
Blood Test
- Cholesterol
- Testosterone
- Glucose
Urine Tests
- Urinalysis to rule out diabetes and other health conditions
Ultrasound
- Penile Doppler Ultrasound (or Penile Duplex)
