Concerned About Male Sexual Function?
January 27, 2023

Most men don’t like to talk about their sexual health even with their doctor, but problems with male sexual function are very common as a man ages. So, it is important for a man’s sexual health to have an annual exam and screen for a number of potential health issues.
Since men are often reluctant to get regular checkups, it can lead to the development of serious illnesses that could have been detected early on. That’s unfortunate, as simple tests and screenings are available to help diagnose underlying issues related to a man’s health, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, nerve damage or clogged arteries.
Men are known to take better care of their car than their own body. But, a thorough examination by a doctor who specializes in men’s health can also detect abnormalities that may explain performance issues a man may be experiencing in the bedroom, such as erectile dysfunction (ED).
ED Is Both Common and Treatable
Erectile dysfunction is a male sexual health issue that affects over a quarter of a million men around the world. It occurs when a man has difficulty maintaining or achieving an erection long enough to engage in sexual intercourse. The causes of ED can range from physical, such as medical conditions and medication side effects, to psychological issues like stress, anxiety, and depression.
Approximately 30 million American men will experience some form of erectile dysfunction this year. - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
A male sexual health exam can help identify the underlying cause of your ED. During a male sexual health exam, a practitioner will ask questions to better understand your medical history and may order tests or refer you to specialists as needed. Treatment for ED usually involves counseling, lifestyle changes, medication management or occasionally surgery. Seeking help with your male sexual health issues can make all the difference in managing ED and improving your overall health and wellness.
The Science Behind Erectile Function
Studies have identified key risk factors for ED, including age, body weight and diseases like diabetes. Other conditions associated with an increased prevalence of ED include smoking, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and drug use. In addition to determining your individual risk factors, there is evidence that annual sexual health exams can help monitor changes in erectile strength related to restricted blood flow, such as:
Obesity – Excess fat deposits around the waistline can decrease testosterone production, reduce circulation to the penis, and cause nerve damage that interferes with arousal signals from the brain.
Coronary Disease – Coronary artery disease is caused by plaque buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries and can lead to ED due to reduced blood flow to the penis.
Pelvic Trauma – Car accidents, sports injuries, or falls can cause ED, as pelvic impacts to the male reproductive organs can cause nerve damage, arterial blood vessel disruption, and tissue scarring.
Pulmonary Disease – Diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma can cause ED by limiting the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and impeding blood flow to the penis.
ED is a common condition that can have significant impacts on male sexual health and a man’s overall quality of life. It also affects the quality of life for their partners. To prevent ED, it is important to identify a man's risk for these conditions through regular male sexual health exams. By addressing the risk factors early on, most men can reduce their risk for erectile dysfunction and improve their quality of life through simple lifestyle modifications.
Men’s Sexual Health Specialist Jacksonville
Erectile dysfunction is a men’s sexual health issue that can come with many causes, which is why the best treatment approach should always be tailored to each individual case. If you are experiencing ED and it is causing issues in your relationships or life, it is important to speak with an experienced male healthcare provider. Dr. Earl Eye has practiced medicine in Jacksonville for four decades and is board certified in five medical specialties.
Dr. Eye also provides male sexual health exams in order to diagnose the cause of your sexual dysfunction and develop a treatment plan that will be most effective for you. GAINSWave Jacksonville specializes in helping male patients and offers a wide range of services, including shockwave therapy, which is an in-office procedure that is entirely non-invasive and does not require drugs or surgery. It has few side effects and no downtime.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Earl Eye or to learn more about male sexual health exams and shockwave therapy. We look forward to helping you on your journey to better male health.