In Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and San Diego, approximately 30 million American men face the challenges of erectile dysfunction (ED). Almost every man experiences ED at some point. But if your symptoms affect your sex life and relationships, it’s necessary to identify its underlying cause. At Atlas Men’s Clinic, our experienced urologists and their teams provide various treatments for ED, including Shockwave therapy. Schedule a Consultation in Bakersfield, Los Angeles, or San Diego. Call our offices or book online today.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?
If you suffer erectile dysfunction, you can’t get or keep an erection long enough to have sex. Most men experience difficulty getting an erection every once in a while. But if it’s an ongoing problem, you could have an underlying health problem.
It’s vital that you seek treatment, even if you’re embarrassed. The Atlas Men’s Clinic team provides a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where you can talk openly and honestly about your sexual health.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
Many different factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction symptoms, depending on your lifestyle choices, medical history, and more. Erectile dysfunction may be caused by:
- 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, it’s important to identify what could be leading to 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.
Who is at risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED)?
Identifying Risk Factors for Men's Sexual Health:
- 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. This condition 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, erectile dysfunction symptoms can be easily managed.
How Is It Diagnosed?
To diagnose erectile dysfunction, your Atlas Men’s Clinic provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Your provider will need to know when your symptoms started and if they worsen when you’re under stress or after drinking alcohol.
Next, your provider completes a physical exam. They order blood tests and urinalysis to look for signs of diabetes or other underlying medical problems.
Your provider might also order an ultrasound to look for blocked blood vessels in your penis. Ultrasound is a noninvasive imaging test using high-frequency sound waves to capture photos of your soft tissues and/or circulatory system.
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 by clicking here. With locations across Southern California, our team is ready to help you find relief from ED.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated (ED)?
Treatment of erectile dysfunction depends on many things, including your age, the severity of your symptoms, and the underlying cause. The Atlas Men’s Clinic team might recommend:
- Quitting smoking
- Losing weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a healthy diet
- Taking prescription medication, like Viagra
- Shockwave therapy
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 You Can Do To Help Improve Your ED Symptoms
In addition to your professional treatment, simple at-home activities can also help relieve your erectile dysfunction symptoms. These activities can include:
- Walking daily. A study done by Harvard revealed that 30 minutes of walking each day can lower the risk of ED by 41 percent.
- Eat a balanced diet that reduces intake of red and processed meat to decrease the risk of ED.
- Monitor your vascular health. 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.
- Maintain a stable weight. Obesity can lead to health conditions such as diabetes, which can have a major impact on ED symptoms.
- Stay active. Engage in exercises that can strengthen your pelvic floor.
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 by clicking here. With locations across Southern California, our team is ready to help you find relief from ED.
