ED

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during intercourse. It affects men of all ages and ethnicities, although your risk of ED increases as you get older. Most men experience this temporarily at some point in their lives.

What are the common symptoms of ED?

The most apparent symptom of ED is persistent trouble getting and keeping an erection. However, you may also have a reduced sex drive.

You should make an appointment with Dr. Sinha if you experience any of the following conditions:

• Increasing frequency of ED
• Anxiety or threat to your sexual relationship
• Other sexual problems such as ejaculatory dysfunction
• Heart disease, diabetes or any other significant issues related to ED
• Painful erection

What are the causes of ED?

Physical and psychological factors contribute to ED and worsen your symptoms.

Common physical causes include:

• Heart disease, diabetes, and obesity
• High cholesterol and high blood pressure
• Clogged blood vessels
• Metabolic syndrome
• Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
• Certain medications
• Use of tobacco and alcohol
• Prostate cancer and enlarged prostate treatments
• Surgeries and injuries that involve the spinal cord and pelvic area

You may also have psychological triggers that contribute to erectile dysfunction. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all interfere with your libido and cause communication problems in your relationship.

How is ED treated?

If you think you have ED, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sinha at Urology Care of Central New Jersey. He provides a thorough exam and testing to confirm your diagnosis and identify any underlying health conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Once he understands your condition fully, he creates a treatment plan to restore your health and erection. Dr. Sinha customizes treatment plans for each patient, but they usually include a combination of medication, penis pumps and implants, and psychological counseling.

Medications

The standard oral medicines recommended are avanafil (Stendra®), sildenafil (Viagra®), tadalafil (Cialis®) and vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®). These ED drugs enhance nitric oxide, a chemical that relaxes penis muscles. As a result, your blood flow increases, allowing you to get an erection. These medicines should be taken only with a doctor’s prescription.

Penis pumps and implants

The penis pump is a vacuum erection device used to give an erection that lasts for a long time. In the treatment of penis implants, a device is placed surgically into both sides of the penis.

Psychological counseling

If ED is caused by anxiety, stress or depression, or if the problem is creating tension for you and your partner, then Dr. Sinha refers you to a psychologist or counselor. Your partner may also attend the sessions to improve your communication and to help both of you resolve issues that may have led to or been caused by your ED.

If you think you have ED, make an appointment with Dr. Sinha by calling Urology Care of Central New Jersey or booking online.