Countless men struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED). Also called impotence, it occurs when a man fails or has difficulty attaining an erection for sexual intercourse. While most ED cases happen among older men, this condition is not considered a natural offshoot of the aging process. In other words, just because you’re older doesn’t automatically mean you can no longer get it up.
The inability to attain an erection can affect a man’s self-respect. Many patients lose their confidence when it comes to giving pleasure to their partners. Because of that, some men are hesitant to talk about their erection problems with just anybody. If you or someone you know finds it hard to get an erection, don’t be reluctant about seeing a specialist. There are treatment facilities, such as Iron Mountain Men’s Health, that specialize in sexual health for men.
Erectile Dysfunction: Where Do Men Stand?
Experts say that ED is a common sexual disorder affecting men. As mentioned, this condition is not considered a direct result of aging. But, the risks climb as a person gets older. It’s why ED is more prevalent among older men. Still, many different factors can cause ED. There are young men in their 20s and 30s who experience telltale signs of erectile problems.
If you suffer from erection problems and are ashamed of your condition, you should know that you’re not alone. A study in 2018 revealed that one in three men has erectile dysfunction. This figure is downright alarming. The statistics should give ED sufferers even more reason to identify the causes and seek help from experts.
Different Specialists To Treat Erectile Problems
After you get the diagnosis, your primary care doctor will refer you to a specialist. You should know that there isn’t just one specialist who can help with erectile problems. A handful of practitioners or professionals can be considered as erectile dysfunction specialists. Here they are:
- Urologist
This doctor specializes in health issues related to reproductive and urinary systems. Because impotence is primarily a disorder in the male reproductive organ, the urologist is the obvious expert to help you determine the causes and recommend treatment for your problem. It would be best to see a urologist if your prostate gland troubles bring about your erectile problem.
- Endocrinologist
Many erectile dysfunction patients don’t have problems in their prostate glands but are having troubles with hormone levels in the body. For men, having low testosterone levels can affect their ability to maintain an erection. Suppose that your impotence is a symptom of hormonal imbalance in the body. In that case, it would be best to see an endocrinologist.
- Psychiatrist Or Other Mental Health Specialists
Other than issues with the reproductive and endocrine systems, erectile dysfunction can also be caused by psychological problems. Some men who suffer from depression and anxiety cannot maintain a prolonged erection for sexual activity. Even some physically healthy men may struggle with sexual performance anxiety which prevents them from getting an erection. If psychological factors cause your erectile dysfunction, you may need to see a psychiatrist or other mental health experts.
How Can Specialists Help
Erectile disorder can pose a significant challenge to all sufferers. But, if you have ED, you don’t have to endure it for the rest of your life. This condition can be treated. Seeing a specialist is always a smart move. Here are some ways impotence specialists can help:
- Give You Prescribed Medications
The most significant help you get when you consult erectile dysfunction specialists is access to prescribed medication. Just like treating any common health condition, ED requires a few meds. The drugs designed to improve ED symptoms primarily work by stimulating blood flow, particularly in the penis area. These are not over-the-counter drugs. These require a doctor’s prescription.
Erectile dysfunction can deal a crushing blow to a man’s sexual life. But, when you consult a doctor who specializes in erectile dysfunction, you have a better chance of treating your condition. That means being able to get it up once again for sexual intercourse. You can provide pleasure to your partner and enjoy having sex.
- Monitor Your Heart Condition
Patients who have ED are at a higher risk for suffering cardiovascular complications. Impotence is on equal footing as cigarette smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, high cholesterol levels, and family history when it comes to predicting heart disease. When you go to a specialist for ED treatment, you also have a better chance to get preventative steps against cardiovascular disease.
- Improve Your Mental Health
Erectile dysfunction can be a symptom of mental health problems, specifically depression and anxiety. Working with a psychiatrist or other mental health specialists to treat your erectile dysfunction will also allow you to keep your mental health in check.
On the other side of the coin, if your depression and anxiety are caused by sexual frustrations stemming from ED, then treating impotence will surely improve your mental health. Getting back your ability to have an erection will boost your self-esteem and help treat depression and anxiety.
- Give You Early Detection For Other Diseases
Did you know that impotence can be a sign of other serious illnesses? Apart from cardiovascular problems, the inability to get an erection can be linked to diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, and even sleep disorders. By working with an ED specialist, you’ll also detect the presence of other health conditions that can be life-threatening if left untreated.
- No Guesswork When Diagnosing ED
An erectile dysfunction specialist will have the equipment to check on your condition. Nothing will be left on lucky guesses when it comes to your treatment. With the proper tests, you get the correct diagnosis and treatment.
One of the standard methods of testing for ED is using ultrasound to detect the level of blood flow in your penis area. This imaging test will enable your doctor to interpret your condition and recommend suitable treatment options.
Another testing method is called the nocturnal erection test, wherein the patient wears a device around the penis during sleep. It will allow the specialist to see if the patient gets an erection at night during sleep hours. Other than the number of erections, this device can also record the duration and the level of hardness for each incidence of erection.
Conclusion
Impotence is considered a common problem among men. If you suffer from this condition, it would be best to see specialists for treatment. There are many ways that an ED specialist can help you. But, you must be honest with your doctor if you want to address the root cause of your erectile dysfunction.
