Discussing Erectile Dysfunction With Your Doctor
Nearly every man at some point has a problem getting or keeping an erection. There could be any number of reasons for it, ranging from fatigue or stress to side effects of a new medicine. But as long as it's temporary and only happens occasionally, an erection problem is not generally a cause for concern. Some men, however, especially as they get older, experience a more frequent and longer lasting problem with erection known as erectile dysfunction or ED.
ED refers to a man's inability to get or keep an erection that's firm enough for sex. Although ED is more common in older men, aging is not the cause. In nearly 75% of cases of erectile dysfunction there is a physical reason for the erection problem.
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction -- Diagnosis and Treatment
If you are troubled by occasional erectile dysfunction, remember that arousal takes longer as you get older and that satisfaction should not be equated with performance. If your dysfunction is severe and persistent, you should seek medical help. The number of treatment options has increased in recent years. Many doctors will recommend changes in lifestyle as a first step in treatment. Suggestions may include the following: Cut back on alcohol. Stop any tobacco or illegal drug use. Talk...
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Erectile dysfunction is a reason to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, some men are reluctant or embarrassed to discuss sexual matters with their doctor. As a result, they don't get the help that could resolve their problem with ED, or worse, they miss the opportunity to discover and address a potentially serious health issue. If you are a man experiencing ED, here is information to help you talk about erectile dysfunction with your doctor.
Why You Should See a Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction
There are two main reasons you should consult your doctor about erectile dysfunction. The first is ED can be treated. ED affects you and your partner, and it can put a strain on your relationship. It can cause you to doubt yourself and lower your self-esteem. It can also cause partners of men with ED to question their own sexual desirability.
There are drugs that specifically address ED, and finding a solution can be as simple as taking a pill your doctor prescribes. But even if your erection problem can't be resolved with oral medication, there are other options that your doctor can help you explore, including injections, suppositories, surgery and penile implants, and special devices like a vacuum pump that increases the flow of blood into the penis.
But an equally important reason for talking with your doctor about ED is that ED can be related to more serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or diabetes. Or it could be related to medication you're taking. ED may also be the result of surgery or other treatments such as prostate surgery and radiation therapy.
Telling the doctor about your ED may be the first indication that something is wrong. Once an underlying condition is identified, treating it may also resolve the problem with erections.
If there is a psychological cause of ED, the doctor can help you find a professional to address psychological issues.
Getting Ready to See a Doctor About ED
The first thing to keep in mind is there is no reason to be anxious about talking about erection problems with your doctor. ED is a common male health issue, and doctors routinely treat men for erectile dysfunction. The first thing to do is to make an appointment. If you don't want to tell the receptionist at the appointment desk about why you want to come in, you can say you want to talk to the doctor about a male health issue.
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