Erectile Dysfunction

Cause, Symptoms, and Treatment

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a condition that affects most men at some point in their lives.  While an occasional occurrence of erectile dysfunction is normal, frequent episodes may indicate other health problems.

Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a complex issue that can be caused by a number of physical or psychological factors. In many cases, men experience a combination of both. For instance, mental stress from prior episodes of dysfunction may cause the problem to continue in the future.

Physical causes can include but are not limited to:

• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Low Testosterone
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Tobacco use
• Alcoholism
• Sleep disorders

Psychological causes can include:

• Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
• Stress
• Low libido or lack or sexual arousal

Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction can include:

• Trouble getting an erection
• Trouble sustaining an erection
• Reduced sexual desire (low libido)

Diabetes and heart disease may be linked to erectile dysfunction, so it is important to consult with a healthcare specialist to rule out these life-threatening conditions.

Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

There are several options available for the treatment of ED. The most common are; oral medications, injections, suppositories, testosterone replacements, penile implants or pumps and we currently are accepting patients into a medical research study.

Oral Medications for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction

Oral medications, which are successful for most men, increase blood flow and allow erections to happen in response to arousal and stimulation.

• They include:
• Sildenafil (Viagra)
• Tadalafil (Cialis)
• Vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn)
• Avanafil (Stendra)

Oral medications may be dangerous to take if you:

• Take nitrate drugs such as nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate and isosorbide dinitrate
• Are treated for low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension)
• A history of liver or kidney disease

Other medications to consider include self-injections, suppositories and testosterone replacement.

Penis Pumps and Implants

If medications prove to be ineffective, alternative treatments may be available.

Penis Pump

A hollow tube with a hand-powered or battery-powered pump, a Penis Pump pulls air out of the tube which creates a vacuum to pull blood into the penis.

Penile Implant

A penile implant is an inflatable device with surgically implanted rods that allows you to control when and how long you have an erection. When inflated, the rods keep the penis firm.

Psychological Treatment

If your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety or depression, visiting a psychologist or counselor may be very effective. Also consider seeking joint psychological counseling with your partner.

Medical Research Study for Erectile Dysfunction

We are currently seeking volunteers to participate in a research study for Erectile Dysfunction.

Study Participants Will Receive:

• All study-related medical care and study medication at no cost
• Possible compensation for time and travel

Learn more about the Erectile Dysfunction Medical Research Study at Integrated Medical Professionals Research.

Dr. Jed Kaminetsky, M.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Medical Center and a Board Certified Urologist. His work has been published in many medical journals which led to a nationwide recognition and development of various treatment schemes for patients with sexual and erectile dysfunction.