What to Look for in Geriatric Care
A skilled geriatrician best handles the changing needs of adults as they age. Learn more about the importance of working with a geriatric care specialist and what to look for in a provider.
What Can I Do About Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual health issues affecting males. As many as 30 million men in the United States experience difficulties getting or maintaining a firm erection for sex.
At Primary Walk-In Medical Clinic, the experienced medical team has extensive experience diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of erectile dysfunction.
For many men, a hormone imbalance is at the heart of sexual function problems, and physicians offer customized therapy plans to treat erectile dysfunction and restore sexual health and vitality.
What you should know about erectile dysfunction
When you’re sexually aroused, your nervous system releases chemicals to direct blood into the penis. Blood moves through two spongy chambers in the penis, increasing the blood pressure of the chambers and causing an erection.
This process may not happen as it should if your hormones aren’t properly balanced or because of an underlying chronic health condition, like high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, or heart disease.
You may also be at increased risk for experiencing erectile dysfunction because of issues like depression, excess stress, or low self-esteem. Age also carries a risk for ongoing erectile dysfunction issues.
To better understand what’s causing erectile dysfunction, the Primary Walk-In Medical Clinic providers spend time getting to know your medical history, your current health, and the lifestyle factors that may be influencing your sexual health. They may also request a urine sample to check for infection and blood work to evaluate your hormone levels.
How hormones play a role in erectile dysfunction
Testosterone is a sex hormone that contributes to sexual health and is responsible for giving you male characteristics, such as muscle mass, body hair, and facial hair. You also need testosterone for sperm production and bone health, as well as for regulating your sex drive.
When your levels of testosterone are too low, you may experience erectile dysfunction, a decrease in your sex drive, and an enlargement in breast tissue. Extended periods of low testosterone levels can also lead to hair loss, weak bones, and a loss of muscle mass.
Low testosterone (low-T) can be the result of the natural aging process, your genetics, or underlying issues like:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Testicle trauma
- Hormone disorder
Use of certain medications, like opiates and corticosteroids, can also interfere with testosterone production.
If a low testosterone is to blame for your decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction, the physicians as Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic can help. They offer customized hormone therapy programs to rebalance your sex hormones and improve the overall quality of your life.
What you can expect from hormone therapy
Hormone therapy involves taking bioidentical hormones that bring your hormone levels back in alignment. Bioidentical hormones are structurally similar to the hormones your body makes naturally, but come from natural, plant-based sources like yams.
You can take the necessary hormones orally or use topical creams, or patches to deliver a steady supply of hormones into your bloodstream. The Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic also offers intramuscular hormone injections.
As you continue with your therapy and your hormone levels stabilize, you should see a significant increase in your sex drive and your ability to achieve and maintain a firm erection. Your physician continues to monitor your progress and your hormone levels through your therapy and will make adjustments as needed.
More options for treating erectile dysfunction
If you have underlying health issues that are contributing to erectile dysfunction, the medical team also offers a variety of services to accurately diagnose and manage chronic diseases, including:
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
You can schedule a discreet diagnostic evaluation for erectile dysfunction by calling the Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic nearest you or by requesting an appointment through the online booking feature. Telehealth services are available if you’re unable to visit the office in person.
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