Erectile Dysfunction Specialist

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is extremely common — approximately one out of every 10 men experience it at some point in their lives. In most instances, ED is a symptom of another underlying condition, such as vascular disease or a neurological disorder.

Sustained ED at any age isn’t normal and should be evaluated by a board-certified urologist, such as one of the experts at Urology of Greater Atlanta, located in multiple locations throughout Georgia. Call or book an ED consultation online today!

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (often referred to as ED) is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse.

It’s a sensitive issue that many men don’t want to talk about, but it should never be ignored. In most cases, treatment and resolution are more straightforward than many men realize, as erectile dysfunction is often a symptom of an underlying issue.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Many factors contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:

• Low hormone levels
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Prostate cancer
• Neurologic disease
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Certain medications
• Venous leak

Your lifestyle can also affect your ability to achieve and maintain an erection. For example, your weight is a factor. Additionally, smoking, drinking, and drug use can interfere with your erectile function. Stress and a lack of sleep can also affect your erection.

How Are the Causes of Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosed?

In order to properly diagnose erectile dysfunction, the healthcare provider will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history to determine if ED is the cause.

Your doctor may also perform physical and/or laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis. Examples of tests used at Urology of Greater Atlanta to detect the cause of erectile dysfunction include a penile Doppler ultrasound, which assesses blood flow to the penis.

It is important for patients to be open and honest with their healthcare provider so they can get an accurate diagnosis and receive effective treatment.

What Treatments Are Available for Erectile Dysfunction?

Effective treatments for erectile dysfunction include lifestyle modifications, including getting regular exercise and sufficient sleep each night, while cutting back or eliminating alcohol and tobacco use to promote better blood flow to the penis. Healthy lifestyle choices can also help optimize your testosterone production.

The team at Urology of Greater Atlanta offers customized treatment plans to address the specific cause of your erectile dysfunction. Your doctor might also recommend treatment for underlying health issues that can interfere with your erection, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. They can collaborate with your primary care provider to ensure consistent treatment.

Medication

The team at Urology of Greater Atlanta offers additional treatments to combat erectile dysfunction, such as:

• Medication (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, Stendra)
• Vacuum erection device (VED)
• IPP (internal penile pump)
• Intraurethral suppository (MUSE)
• Penile implant surgery

Medication for ED typically dilates your blood vessels, allowing blood to enter your penis and fill the corpora cavernosa to create an erection.

Intraurethral Suppository Therapy

Your doctor might prescribe Muse suppositories to address ED. Instead of taking this medication orally, you insert it into your urethra. It works by improving blood flow into your penis. It usually works within 10 minutes and produces an erection that can last for 30-60 minutes.

Penile Injections

Also called intracavernosal injections, these injections improve blood flow to your penis, like oral and intraurethral medicines. Your doctor can demonstrate how to give yourself the injection. The medication usually provides an erection within 15 minutes.

Vacuum Erection Device

If medication and lifestyle changes aren’t effective, your doctor may recommend a vacuum erection device.

A hollow tube is placed around your penis that extracts the air surrounding it, creating a vacuum that pulls blood into the penis. Once it’s erect, you’ll put a band around the base of your penis to keep the blood from draining, helping you maintain an erection long enough for intercourse.

Penile Implants

The doctors at Urology of Greater Atlanta may also recommend a penile implant to address erectile dysfunction. They use state-of-the-art devices from Boston Scientific and Coloplast.

Coloplast provides both inflatable and malleable penile implants. Both allow you to have a strong enough erection for intercourse. They don’t affect your sensitivity or ability to ejaculate.

Boston Scientific AMS penile implants are inflatable devices that help you achieve and maintain an erection. The devices are undetectable and don’t interfere with your sensation or ejaculation.

Conclusion

If you are struggling with erectile dysfunction and would like to find a solution, then schedule a consultation with our team of expert urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta. Our team of experts in Georgia offers customized treatment plans to address the specific cause of your erectile dysfunction. Call us today to schedule an appointment and find an effective solution!