Considering non-surgical options? Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction is discussed during a physician-led evaluation for appropriately selected patients.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Common, treatable, and worth talking about.
For: Adults noticing changes in erections, confidence, or intimacy.
Overview
Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. It becomes more common with age, but it is never simply something to accept. ED is frequently an early marker of vascular, metabolic, or hormonal disease, which is why a proper urologic evaluation matters as much as the treatment itself.
Symptoms
Signs worth an evaluation
- Difficulty getting or keeping an erection more than occasionally
- Erections that are less firm or less predictable than they used to be
- Reduced desire, or a change in sexual function over weeks to months
- ED alongside fatigue, low mood, or reduced energy, which may point to testosterone
- New ED after prostate surgery, pelvic radiation, or a change in medication
Causes
Causes and risk factors
- Vascular disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking
- Hormonal causes, most commonly low testosterone or thyroid disease
- Neurologic causes including diabetic neuropathy, spinal injury, or pelvic surgery
- Medication side effects, particularly some antidepressants and blood pressure agents
- Sleep apnea, obesity, alcohol use, and prolonged stress or anxiety
Diagnosis
How we evaluate it
- 1A private conversation about your history, medications, and goals
- 2Focused physical exam and, when appropriate, laboratory work including testosterone, glucose, and lipids
- 3Screening for undiagnosed cardiovascular or metabolic disease
- 4Penile duplex ultrasound or vascular testing only when clinically indicated
Testing is chosen for your situation. Not every patient needs every step listed here.
Contributing factors
ED can have more than one cause.
Most patients have several contributing factors at once. A physician evaluation considers them together, because reviewing them in isolation rarely explains the full picture.
Blood flow
- Vascular health
- Blood pressure
- Cardiovascular factors
Hormones
- Testosterone
- Thyroid
- Other hormonal factors
function
Nerves
- Diabetes
- Prior surgery
- Neurological factors
Lifestyle
- Activity
- Sleep
- Weight
- Smoking / alcohol
Private. Confidential. Judgment-free.
Why choose PSUMG
Specialist care for erectile dysfunction, close to home.
ED is evaluated as a whole-body health signal, not just a prescription request
The full ladder of therapy is available in one practice, from lifestyle through implant surgery
Private, unhurried consultations with the same clinician at each visit
ED is one of the most common reasons patients see a urologist. You will not be rushed, and nothing about the visit is designed to make you uncomfortable.
Related
Learn More
For additional patient education, explore these trusted resources.
Medical Disclaimer. This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual medical needs.