Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 30 million men. It’s a common condition, but it can be embarrassing and frustrating. If you struggle with ED, or achieving and maintaining a strong erection, you’re not alone. At Tru-Male Medical in Oak Brook, Illinois, men’s sexual health expert Robert Marshall, MD, provides effective treatment for ED to improve sexual performance. Call or book an appointment online to learn more about your ED treatment options and restore your confidence in the bedroom.
ED Q & A
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get or keep an erection that’s strong enough to have sex. Most men have trouble getting erections from time to time, but regularly having problems getting or keeping an erection is a sign of ED.
When you are sexually aroused, your body sends more blood to your penis. Spongy tissue traps the blood and the pressure inside your penis increases, making your penis firm and giving you an erection. ED often develops when blood flow to your penis is restricted.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a complicated condition that is caused by health conditions, emotional factors, or a combination of the two. Common risk factors for ED include:
- Age
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar (diabetes)
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Drug or alcohol use
Many men associate ED with getting older. While your risk for ED increases after age 50, developing the condition is not inevitable. ED is also a sign of other serious health conditions and should not be ignored at any age.
Sometimes, ED has emotional causes. Conditions like depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship conflicts can cause or worsen ED. Seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction often includes both physical and emotional therapies to deliver the best results.
What treatment options are available for erectile dysfunction?
If you think you have erectile dysfunction, Dr. Marshall begins by talking with you about your symptoms and performing a physical exam. There are a variety of treatment options for ED that give men the opportunity to boost their confidence and satisfaction in the bedroom.
Medications are a popular, successful option that relaxes muscles in the penis to increase blood flow.
For treatment without side effects, Dr. Marshall offers GAINSWave®, a revolutionary procedure that uses low-frequency sound waves to improve the health of blood vessels in the penis, improving blood flow naturally.
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.
Lifestyle changes can improve ED as well. If you smoke, quitting can improve the condition. Working toward a healthy weight and increasing activity levels also boosts performance.
If you have ED caused by underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s important to make sure those conditions are well-managed.
You don’t have to live with embarrassing ED and low confidence. Talk to Dr. Marshall about erectile dysfunction treatment by calling the office or booking your first appointment online. With ED treatment, you can have a satisfying sex life.
