Diagnosing & Treating ED in Men of All Ages
September 16, 2022
Erectile dysfunction is a common men’s health condition in which a man is unable to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, ED affects about 30 million men in the United States. Most occurrences of ED are a short-term problem. But, if you can’t achieve an erection that lasts long enough for fulfilling sex or are unable to get an erection when you think you should, then it is time to talk to a health care professional that can diagnose and treat the underlying conditions.
Since almost all cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable, it is important to remember that a healthy sex life can improve your quality of life. At GAINSWave Jacksonville, we understand that it can be embarrassing and difficult to discuss how sexual dysfunction may be playing havoc with your sex life. That’s why our staff is expertly trained to speak about all the probable causes and treatment options that are available for improving your sexual health. To ensure your problem is not a sign of a more serious health condition, the first step typically involves a discussion of your issues and a quick exam.
What are the main causes of ED?
A majority of cases involving erectile dysfunction are related to a physical cause or are diagnosed in combination with emotional reasons. Generally speaking, most medical conditions that adversely affect nerves or blood vessels can also affect a man’s ability to achieve and keep an erection. Listed below are some of the most common causes of erectile issues:
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Obviously some causes of ED are more easily cured than others, but all treatment options begin with an accurate diagnosis. Sometimes with the right support, it is possible that your problem may improve on its own without the need for a procedure or medications. When needed, ED treatments most often lead to improved physical and emotional health as well as better intimacy.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Have ED?
A man can experience erectile dysfunction at any given age. In younger men, it is often a psychological effect related to stress, depression, alcohol, or performance anxiety. According to an article published by Yale Medicine, ED affects approximately half of all men over age 40. Moreover, while erectile dysfunction is normally a physical problem, it certainly can have psychological roots, and more often than not, may be a combination of both.
When you consider the common causes listed above, it is easy to understand why a multidisciplinary approach is a better way to diagnose the underlying cause of ED.
Since erectile dysfunction often involves abnormalities in the penile arteries, veins or both, organic causes like hardening of the arteries or a venous leak are common in older men. Nonetheless, age is not considered to be the cause of ED as men report having satisfying sexual experiences well into their 80s. Although hormone abnormalities can be the culprit, low testosterone (male sex hormone) levels may contribute to the cause but is rarely the sole factor responsible for male sexual dysfunction.
Discover Your Options at GAINSWave Jacksonville
Low-intensity shockwave therapy has a proven track record as a minimally invasive medical device used to improve blood flow and boost the healing process for wounds, inflamed soft tissue, and even bone fractures. Since maintaining an erection suitable for sex relies heavily on blood flow to the penile tissue, GAINSWave™ therapy takes full advantage of the same pulsed acoustic waves to open existing blood vessels and stimulate the formation of new ones. Many men who have not responded well to medications like Viagra have successfully used GAINSWave’s regenerative therapy to reverse erectile dysfunction.
If you have been searching online for treatments that help correct erectile issues, you may have seen do-it-yourself options for shockwave therapy. Since these completely bypass a thorough medical examination and diagnosis of the actual cause, they can be a frustrating or even a dangerous waste of your time and money. Dr. Earl Eye has practiced medicine in Jacksonville for four decades and is board certified in five medical specialties, including advanced training in Age-Management medicine. His practice focuses on offering the latest comprehensive and individualized health care options to help men live a healthier and more vibrant life.
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Dr. Eye is experienced in helping men manage many organic etiologies like vascular issues, painful penile curvature, neurogenic problems, side effects from medical treatments and medications as well as endocrinological issues, such as diabetes. Non-invasive treatments using low-intensity shockwave therapy have proven effective in breaking up plaque formation to treat ED. If you would like to discuss any men’s health issue with an experienced professional, call GAINSWave Jacksonville today at (904) 500-5500.
