Approximately 30 million American men face the challenges of erectile dysfunction (ED) regularly, and almost every man experiences ED at some point. But if your symptoms affect your sex life and relationships, it's time to identify its underlying cause and seek treatment.Â
At Atlas Men’s Clinic, our board-certified urologists and their teams provide various services and treatments, including shockwave therapy for ED. Visit our clinics in Los Angeles, Bakersfield, or San Diego, California, to get help.Â
What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition where a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Most men experience difficulty getting an erection every once in a while. But if it’s an ongoing problem, you could have an unknown health issue that's causing it.
The Atlas Men’s Clinic team provides a supportive atmosphere where you can talk openly about your sexual health to find the best treatment for your specific case.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Many different factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:
- Constant emotional or psychological stress, such as anxiety
- Medications such as antidepressants or blood pressure prescriptions
- Smoking
- Drinking a lot of alcohol
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Kidney disease
To determine the best kind of ED treatment for you, we’ll need to identify what could be causing your symptoms. Talk to your doctor or schedule a consultation at Atlas Men’s Clinic to determine your causes before beginning treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
The symptoms of erectile dysfunction include:
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Difficulty keeping an erection
- Reduced sexual desire
- Premature or delayed ejaculation
Don’t wait to seek treatment if you experience any of these problems. Early intervention can prevent your symptoms from getting worse.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatments
How we treat your erectile dysfunction depends on many things, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause. The Atlas Men’s Clinic team may recommend:
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight
- Taking prescription medication like Viagra
- Shockwave therapy
- Therapy for mental health
They could also suggest surgery to install a penis pump. This device inflates a balloon implanted in your penis, giving you an erection that lasts as long as you need to successfully have sex.
At-Home Treatments to Help Improve Your ED Symptoms
In addition to your professional treatment, these simple at-home activities can also help relieve your erectile dysfunction symptoms:
- Daily exercise: In one study, aerobic exercise of 40 minutes four times a week can lead to up to an 86% improvement in erectile function if your ED is caused by physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, or cardiovascular disease.
- Eating a balanced diet:Â Reduce red and processed meat to decrease the risk of ED.
- Monitoring your vascular health:Â High blood pressure and high cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of ED. Adjusting your diet to remedy these conditions may help improve your ED symptoms.
- Maintaining a stable weight:Â Obesity can lead to health conditions such as diabetes, which can have a major impact on ED symptoms.
- Pelvic floor conditioning:Â Engage in exercises that can strengthen your pelvic floor to improve control, enhance stamina, and contribute to better erectile performance.
Why Choose Atlas Men’s Clinic?
Atlas Men’s Clinic stands out for its expertise and high-quality care. Unlike many men’s clinics, Atlas is staffed by board-certified urologists who are nationally recognized for their accomplishments in sexual health. We offer advanced, nonsurgical treatments like shockwave therapy in our spa-like setting. Our ultimate goal is to help our patients regain their sexual health and confidence.
At Atlas Men’s Clinic, we never rush through consultations. The team takes the time to thoroughly understand your symptoms and goals so we can properly tailor your treatment plan for you. By addressing the root cause of issues and providing supportive care, we strive to improve vitality and well-being.Â
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Treat ED?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive ED treatment that uses gentle sound waves to boost blood flow and repair tissue in the penis. It stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and improves the function of existing ones.
This therapy is ideal for men whose ED is linked to blood flow issues and may not respond well to medication. The treatment is quick, usually involves several sessions, and has minimal discomfort, making it a convenient option for managing ED long-term.
Who Is at Risk for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
Several factors can increase your risk of developing erectile dysfunction, such as:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Sleep disorders
- Tobacco use
- Low testosterone
- Alcoholism
You’re also more likely to experience ED if you have Peyronie’s disease, a condition that causes scar tissue to develop inside your penis.
How Long Does Erectile Dysfunction Last?
While the duration of erectile dysfunction can differ from patient to patient depending on the circumstances of their health and lifestyle, it typically lasts between a few months to several years for most patients.
If erectile dysfunction is related to an underlying cause, such as diabetes, some patients may have erectile dysfunction for the rest of their lives. With the proper treatment, however, you can easily manage erectile dysfunction symptoms.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?
To diagnose erectile dysfunction, your Atlas Men’s Clinic provider will look at your medical records and ask about your symptoms. We'll need to know when your symptoms started and if they worsen when you’re under stress or after drinking alcohol.
Next, your provider will complete a physical exam. We’ll order blood tests and urinalysis to look for signs of diabetes or other underlying medical problems.
We might also order an ultrasound to look for blocked blood vessels in your penis. Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test that can capture photos of your soft tissues and/or circulatory system.
How Do I Know if My Erectile Dysfunction Is Caused by a Physical or Psychological Issue?
Your provider will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and ask about your symptoms and lifestyle. Physical causes often include conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hormone imbalances, while psychological causes may stem from stress, anxiety, or depression. Diagnostic tests like blood tests or ultrasound can help us find the underlying cause so we know how to treat you.
What Are the Risks of Not Treating Erectile Dysfunction?
Letting your erectile dysfunction go untreated can impact your physical and mental well-being. Because ED can be a sign of other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances, your symptoms (and health) will likely get worse if you ignore them.
Untreated ED can also negatively impact your self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life. Seeking treatment early can help identify and manage any serious health concerns and improve sexual function.
Can ED Treatments Affect Fertility or Reproductive Health?
Most ED treatments, such as medications and shockwave therapy, primarily target blood flow and erectile function, so they shouldn't affect fertility directly. However, certain surgical options, like penile implants, may impact your reproductive health.
Please discuss any concerns about fertility with your healthcare provider to explore treatments that support erectile function and reproductive health.
Make an Appointment at Atlas Men’s Clinic
If you or someone you know suffers from erectile dysfunction, it is never too late to seek treatment. Contact Atlas Men’s Clinic to schedule your first consultation.Â
Call 323-798-9222 for our Los Angeles office, 619-928-6166 for San Diego/La Mesa, and 661-443-3375 for Bakersfield. Our team is ready to help you find relief from ED.
