ED: It’s More Common Than You Think
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than you probably think. Around 5% of men who’ve reached 40 years old have complete dysfunction, which increases to 15% around age 70.
Mild and moderate dysfunction is even more common. While some forms of ED may occur at any age, it’s more common in older men since this population is more likely to have health conditions that require medication with side effects that can interfere with normal sexual function.
Despite its prevalence, many men find the condition embarrassing, and it can damage both relationships and self-esteem. However, here at Tru-Male Medical in Oak Brook, Illinois, Dr. Robert Marshall and his team of men’s sexual health experts understand what you’re going through and are dedicated to providing effective treatments that will optimize your performance in the bedroom.
What is erectile dysfunction?
When you become sexually aroused, your body sends additional blood to your penis. Spongy tissue captures the blood, and the increased amount causes a buildup of pressure inside the penis. This pressure is what gives you the erection.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection strong enough to have sex due to restricted blood flow. It’s very common to have difficulty from time to time due to either physical or emotional reasons, but if ED becomes a common occurrence, you should schedule a visit to our practice. Not only can ED cause stress and relationship problems, but it may be a sign of an underlying health condition, and it can serve as a warning sign for heart disease.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can be caused by health conditions, emotional factors, or a combination of both. Common risk factors for ED include:
- Increased age
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
- Drug or alcohol use
- Sleep disorders
- Prescription medication (side effects)
While many men associate ED with getting older, and it’s true your risk for ED does increase after the age of 50, developing the condition is not a certainty. It may be an effect of an underlying physical disorder, anxiety or stress, or conflict in a relationship. Because its causes are multifaceted, ED treatment often includes both physical and psychological therapies.
What treatments are available for erectile dysfunction?
There are several options for treating ED, including:
Medications
The most popular medications are a group of drugs called PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitors, which you take 30–60 minutes before you have sex. The best known of this group is the blue-colored sildenafil, better known as Viagra®. Other commonly prescribed medications are
- Vardenafil (Levitra®)
- Avanafil (Stendra®)
- Tadalafil (popularly known as Cialis®, it’s taken once a day)
Medications, though, come with side effects. The most common PDE-5 inhibitor side effects are hearing loss, indigestion, visual disturbances, and headache. They also can’t be taken by men with high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes.
GAINSWave®
This non-pharmaceutical, non-invasive treatment has been tested in over 30 clinical trials with a success rate of about 75%. It’s so effective because it addresses the root causes of ED. GAINSWave uses high-frequency sound waves to open blood vessels located in the penis, stimulate new blood vessel growth, and eliminate micro-plaque that’s formed on the cell walls. This paves the way for increased blood into the penis, resulting in stronger and longer-lasting erections.
Each treatment takes only between 20–30 minutes, and there’s no downtime. Depending on your goals, you may need 6–12 treatments, and the effects have been proven to last two to three years.
PRP, PRF and Exesomes Shots
Along with GAINSWave you can use PRP, PRF and Exesomes Shots as nonsurgical options to treat ED and improve sexual function. These options use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injected into the penis to increase blood flow and tissue growth.
Are you having trouble in the bedroom but feel embarrassed or even ashamed about it? There’s no need to be. At Tru-Male Medical, we understand and are here to help. Reach out to us by calling our office or by scheduling an appointment online today.