Erectile Dysfunction:  Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects 50% of men over the age of 40, with more significant dysfunction over each decade of life. This ultimately can have a significant impact on quality of life for the man and his spouse.

Erections are produced through an integration of the nervous, hormonal and vascular system; an abnormality in any of these systems, whether from disease or medications, can have a significant impact on the ability to develop and sustain an erection.

Why Is It Important to Know This?

On occasion, ED can be the first sign of other silent medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Other factors associated with ED include smoking, hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, minimal physical activity, stress and chronic alcoholism or drug abuse.

Even if you feel great, except for your erectile dysfunction, it is warranted to review any risk factors with a careful medical assessment (exam, blood work, etc.)

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options

We are one of the few centers in Southern California that perform on-site Penile Doppler Duplex Studies. This procedure allows us to characterize the arterial and venous blood flow within the erect penis. It also allows for a detailed survey of the corpora cavernosa to identify calcifications or scarring inside the erectile tissue of the penis.

Once we have evaluated this information, we will be able to develop an action plan that will both get you functioning again, and help you to feel better about yourself and more vital.

Lifestyle Changes

Regardless of what treatment is ultimately chosen to improve sexual function, attention to adopting a healthy diet and exercise regimen is indicated to optimize results. Our team approach provides access to a certified personal trainer and registered dietitian. We also will advise our patients on use of nutritional supplements sourced from high quality vendors.

Oral Medication

The “blue pill” and similar drugs have a place in appropriate treatment. The key is knowing how and when they should be used, and we utilize proprietary formulas of these medications where appropriate

Regenerative Therapies

One of the most exciting areas of medicine involves “teaching” your body how to regenerate healthier blood cells and nerve cells to promote natural healing. These techniques have been used extensively in orthopedics, oral surgery and wound healing, and now adapted to naturally improve erectile function. PRP-Shots are another form of treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). The PRP-Shot consists of taking platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood and injecting it into your penis to promote tissue growth. By doing so, men can experience better erections by way of increased blood flow, improved nerve sensation, greater stamina during sexual intercourse and beyond.

Intra-Cavernosal Injections

This therapy involves injecting a blend of liquid agents with a small needle at the base of the penis causing increase of blood flow to the penis within minutes. Care is needed to titrate the dosage and use the best formulation to achieve the desired results.

Vacuum Erection/ Penile Traction Devices

Vacuum pumps have been utilized for several decades to “draw” blood into the penis to create an erection. Traction Devices are primarily used to straighten a curved penis (Peyronie’s disease). These modalities are typically used in combination with other modalities when indicated to optimize results.

Placement of Penile Prosthesis

In rare instances, there is significant underlying disease of the blood vessels/ nerves that allow for spontaneous erections. We will work with you to determine when it is indicated to consider placement of a prosthesis
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