Erectile Dysfunction Specialist

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition that makes it difficult for you to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sex.

Typically, your nerves trigger the release of chemicals when you’re sexually aroused, which increases blood flow to the penis. Blood travels through two chambers in the penis that are made up of spongy tissue that trap blood and firm the penis. When there’s dysfunction in this process, you may find it challenging to get an erection healthy enough for sex.

Though occasional erectile issues are common for men of all ages, persistent difficulties maintaining an erection require a diagnostic evaluation.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction can occur because of one or a combination of physical and emotional factors. Physically, you may experience erectile dysfunction if you have nerve damage that doesn’t trigger increased blood flow. Difficulties keeping an erection can also occur if blood flow into the penis is obstructed.

If you have underlying health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, you may be at increased risk of experiencing erectile dysfunction.

In addition to physical health issues, you can develop erectile dysfunction if you’re stressed out, have depression, or experience emotional trauma.

How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

To better understand your symptoms of erectile dysfunction, Dr. Perez takes time to discuss your lifestyle, sexual health, and your medical history. He also performs a physical, checking for abnormalities in your penis and testicles that can interfere with blood flow.

You may need a urine test or an ultrasound to rule out infection and other underlying issues that may be triggering erectile dysfunction. 

What treatments are available for erectile dysfunction?

To improve your erectile health, Dr. Perez tailors a treatment plan to your needs. If you have underlying health issues that are contributing to your erection issues, such as diabetes or emotional disorders, he can recommend additional treatment with a specialist.

Dr. Perez offers a variety of innovative treatments to treat recurrent ED, including:

Penile injections

Injection therapies for erectile dysfunction use TRIMIX, a medication that contains alprostadil, phentolamine, and papaverine in its ingredients. Therapy works by injecting the medications directly into the penis. TRIMIX works by relaxing the smooth muscle of the penis and opening narrowed blood vessels to improve the quality of an erection.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

You may also be a candidate for extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which delivers shockwaves of energy into the soft tissues of the penis to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels.

Penile prosthetics

Penile prosthetics involve implanting two cylinders into the penis, a pump into the scrotum, and a small reservoir into the abdomen. To achieve an erection, you squeeze the pump to fill the cylinders with fluids from the reservoir.

If you need an accurate diagnosis of erectile dysfunction, call The Urology Group today, or schedule a consultation online now.