What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction symptoms most commonly manifest in three ways:
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Difficulty maintaining an erection
- An overall reduced sexual desire
It’s important to keep in mind that nearly all men experience these symptoms from time to time. It’s only when these symptoms persist that you should consider erectile dysfunction a possibility.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
A wide variety of conditions can contribute to erectile dysfunction, and rarely is just one factor involved in symptoms. Some common physical factors include:
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Certain medications
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Sleep disorders
- Surgeries or treatments in the pelvic area
Psychological conditions, such as depression or stress, can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.
How is erectile dysfunction treated?
Dr. Himsl treats erectile dysfunction in a few ways, depending on your symptoms and the suspected cause of the condition:
Medication
Oral medications are an effective solution for most kinds of erectile dysfunction. They work by enhancing the effects of your body’s nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes the muscles of your penis. This increases blood flow and makes it easier to get an erection.
Other types of medications include injections and penile suppositories. These medications force an erection for no longer than an hour at a time, and you use them as needed before sexual activity.
Nonmedication treatment
If medication proves ineffective for your erectile dysfunction, Dr. Himsl may recommend physical treatment options. A penis pump is a nonsurgical option that fits over the penis and creates vacuum pressure to pull blood into the penis.
If all other treatments fail, penile implants are an option. Dr. Himsl surgically inserts two inflatable or bendable rods along the penis, allowing you to control when you get an erection.
How can I prevent erectile dysfunction?
Though not all cases of erectile dysfunction are treatable at home, you can take some measures to reduce your risk:
- Quit smoking
- Lose weight
- Get more exercise
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol and drug consumption
If you’re in the Greater Los Angeles area and you suffer from erectile dysfunction, call Dr. Kyle K. Himsl or book an appointment online to return to a healthy sex life.
