ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a problem that affects 1 in 2 men at some point in their life. It is an issue that makes it difficult to either experience an erection or maintain one. This can lead to a wide range of issues such as psychological issues, self-confidence and the inability to have sexual intercourse. As erectile dysfunction manifests in many different ways, it requires specialist advice and guidance to diagnose and treat correctly.

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london andrology erectile dysfunction

The team at London Andrology use a multi-treatment system. This approach aims to minimise the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and can often treat the underlying conditions creating erectile dysfunction. Each treatment will vary, focusing on your unique needs and health. 

You may benefit from a single treatment. Or, you may find a combination works best. In every case, we help you find the treatment that will provide optimal results.

Sexual arousal is complicated. As such, a variety of physical, mental, and emotional factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction. A significant factor in treatment is identifying what factors are at play. For many men, it can be more than one. These factors include:

PHYSICAL CAUSES FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

  • Vascular disease
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Hormone abnormalities such as hyperprolactinaemia
  • Certain prescribed drugs Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)
  • Diseases affecting the erectile tissue of the penis
  • Neurological diseases
  • Severe chronic diseases such as kidney and liver failure
  • Alcoholism and drug abuse
  • Surgery (especially radical prostate and bladder surgery)
  • Injury to the penis, spinal cord, pelvis, prostate or bladder
  • Pelvic fractures
  • Heavy smoking
  • Being overweight

DRUG-INDUCED CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

  • Alcohol
  • Antihypertensives (medication for high blood pressure) e.g. diuretics, beta blockers, methyldopa
  • Cimetidine
  • Marijuana, heroin, methadone
  • Major tranquillisers
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Digoxin
  • Glucocorticosteroids
  • Oestrogen, anti-androgens

PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

  • Stress and anxiety from work or home
  • Relationship conflicts and dissatisfaction
  • Depression and other psychiatric conditions and their medications
  • Sexual boredom or unresolved sexual orientation

SYMPTOMS OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Erectile dysfunction is defined as trouble getting or keeping an erection that's firm enough for sex. Though it's not rare for a man to have some problems with erections from time to time, ED that is progressive or happens routinely with sex is not normal, and it should be treated.

TREATMENT FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

Fortunately, erectile dysfunction is something that can be treated. Through specialist advice and guidance, something as simple as making a change to your lifestyle or through addressing psychological issues such as workplace stress can help to alleviate the symptoms and remove the problem. However, if these changes are found to be unsuccessful then there are medications available as well as injections and surgical implants available, all of which are provided based on the root cause of the problem and the correct solution in each specific case. It’s always best to seek professional advice before commencing any treatment for erectile dysfunction, however, to ensure underlying causes have been adequately investigated, and that the treatment is appropriate and won’t interact negatively with any other drugs you’re taking.

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