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Is Your Erectile Dysfunction a Sign of This Serious Health Condition?

Oct 22, 2023
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Is Your Erectile Dysfunction a Sign of This Serious Health Condition?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also called impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection. Don’t be embarrassed if you’re struggling with ED; it affects about 50% of men age 40 and up.

Here at Gulf Coast Urology, Dr. John E. Bertini, Jr. and Dr. James Harris have the skill, knowledge, and experience to help you overcome ED. We care about our patients’ privacy, so you can expect a personalized, discreet treatment for your health concerns.

Causes of ED

There are several reasons why a man may experience ED symptoms, which include trouble getting or keeping an erection, and less sexual desire and drive.

The brain, emotions, hormones, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels all contribute to male sexual arousal. With all of these things involved, it’s often tricky to pinpoint the exact cause.

The most common causes of ED typically include:

  • Aging
  • Certain medications, like antidepressants or high blood pressure medication
  • High cholesterol
  • Being overweight or obesity
  • Tobacco use
  • Sleep disorders
  • Diabetes

Our providers at Gulf Coast Urology are all experts at treating ED and the underlying conditions that cause it, so don’t hesitate to give us a call.

ED can be a risk factor for heart disease

Many men are surprised when they learn that ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Wondering how? The reason is that, in order to maintain a firm erection, more blood needs to go to the penis and stay there for some time.

Certain conditions, like atherosclerosis, can stop blood flow to the penis. Atherosclerosis is a condition that clogs arteries and blood vessels, and it’s also one of the leading causes of heart attacks, strokes, and ED.

High blood pressure is a condition that puts too much pressure on your blood vessels and damages them. Not only can it cause a heart attack, but it can also lead to erection problems if it damages the vessels that deliver blood to the penis.

Treatment for ED

Some cases of ED see improvement with simple diet and lifestyle changes. Others may require medications, and rarely, surgery.

When you visit Gulf Coast Urology, one of our providers first goes over your medical history and performs a physical exam. Once we determine the cause of your ED, we can start exploring the best treatment options. Many conditions that cause ED can easily be managed with the help of a Gulf Coast Urology provider.

Ready to stop struggling with ED? Call Gulf Coast Urology today to schedule your visit or book an appointment online.

We’re here for you

Book your personalized care

To access the best, most comprehensive urological care, partner with the team at Gulf Coast Urology. Request your appointment today by calling the office or clicking the online booking tool.

Gulf Coast Urology patient and doctor