Erectile Dysfunction
WHAT IS ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED)?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), previously referred to as impotence, is the inability or difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection. This is a very common issue. According to WebMD.com, “The problem is reported by 1 in 5 men, and that number gets bigger with age.” It can become a problem if it persists. ED can cause stress and also affect your relationship and self-confidence.
SYMPTOMS OF ED
- Difficulty achieving an erection
- Difficulty sustaining an erection
- Decreased sexual desire
WHAT CAUSES ED?
Impulses from the brain and genital nerves begin the process of forming an erection. Blood starts to fill two chambers in the penis called the corpora cavernosa. As the blood fills into the chambers, the penis begins to get harder. If you suffer from ED, there can be an issue with regulatory mechanisms, nerve impulses or blood flow.
Is your ED occasional or persistent? Occasional ED is very common, and it is usually brought on by stress. It is important to talk to a healthcare provider experienced in men’s health if your symptoms are persistent. These conversations may be uncomfortable, but Dr. Christi and her team will put your mind at ease!
ED can be caused by physical, psychological issues or a combination of both. Your ED could also be a result of an underlying condition. Sometimes ED is the first symptom of a serious underlying disease process.
PHYSICAL CAUSES
- Heart disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Kidney disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Metabolic syndrome
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Sleep disorders
- Peyronie’s disease
- Some prescription medications
- Alcoholism
- Substance abuse
- Tobacco use
- Prostate cancer treatment
- Enlarged prostate
- Bicycling
Most of these issues restrict the blood flow to the penis, which causes ED.
PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mental health problems/conditions
- Relationship issues
- Lack of confidence or low self-esteem
- Performance anxiety
Psychological factors can also worsen ED brought on by physical issues or medical problems.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
There are other risks and factors that can contribute to ED.
- Various medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, heart disease)
- Obesity or being overweight
- Psychological or mental health conditions
- Medications (high blood pressure medication, pain medication, antidepressants and antihistamines)
- Medical treatments, like prostate surgery, bladder cancer, BPH or radiation cancer treatment
- Tobacco use
- Alcoholism
- Substance abuse
- Age
You may be able to lower your risk of ED by quitting smoking, discontinuing substances or alcohol intake and losing weight. Men who exercise regularly are at a lower risk of having ED. If you have diabetes, you can lower your risk by managing your blood sugar. If you feel your medication is causing your ED, Dr. Christi and her team can discuss other options.
SYMPTOMS
- Inability to achieve erection
- Erection is too soft for sex
- Erection does not last long enough for sex
If you have any of the symptoms above, you suffer from erectile dysfunction.
DIAGNOSING
To diagnose, your healthcare provider at ChristiMD Medical Group will discuss your medical history, medical conditions and your symptoms. A physical exam is also needed to rule out decreased circulation or nerve problems. Lab tests may also be necessary to determine any medical conditions that may cause ED.
According to WebMD.com, “ED can be a warning sign of a more serious disease. One study suggests it can predict heart attack, stroke, and even death from cardiovascular disease.” However, that does not mean every man who has ED will certainly develop heart disease, nor does every man who has heart disease will also have ED.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
- GAINSWave®
- Sildenafil
- Avanafil
- Tadalafil
- Vardenafil
- Intraurethral suppository
- Penile Injections
- Vacuum erection device (Penile pump)
- Surgical Penile Prosthesis
- Psychotherapy
DISCUSSING ED WITH YOUR PARTNER
ED is a very common issue. Discussing this issue with a doctor can lead to successful treatment and overall improvement in your relationship, confidence and life. ED effects both partners in a relationship. Help for many sexual dysfunction issues can be sought after together. According to EverydayHealth.com, “The more you and your partner know about erectile dysfunction, the better you will be able to manage this sexual issue together.” Getting healthy, being educated on ED, seeking treatment and remaining positive are essential in overcoming this treatable and easily managed issue for you and your partner.
WE CAN HELP CURE ED!
The ChristiMD Medical Group knows ED and poor sexual performance can have a negative effect on your self-confidence and your relationship. We choose to offer the GAINSWave® treatment as a safe, effective, drug-free and surgery-free option to improve erectile dysfunction and enhance sexual performance.
GAINSWave® is a safe, comfortable treatment to improve ED caused by poor blood flow, which accounts for over 80% of ED issues. This treatment uses high frequency, low-intensity soundwaves to increase blood flow to the penis, possibly remove micro-plaque and encourage the growth of new blood vessels. The results of this treatment may increase bloodflow in the penis, which may lead to stronger, harder and more sustainable erections.
What are the benefits of GAINSWave®?
- Enhanced erections
- Improved sexual performance and sensation in the penis
- More spontaneous erections
How long does GAINSWave® last?
GAINSWave only takes 20-30 minutes in the office. Studies report that the effects of GAINSWave® may last up to two to three years! This treatment has been used successfully in Europe for over 15 years.
What are the side effects of GAINSWave®?
There are no known side effects of GAINSWave®. This treatment is drug and surgery-free. It is completely non-invasive. GAINSWave® requires no downtime.
Is there clinical research on GAINSWave®?
There have been many studies that prove effectiveness of the high frequency, low-intensity treatment used in the GAINSWave® treatment. GAINSWave® is based on over 30 clinical studies showing a greater than 75% rate of success in treating ED.
How many GAINSWave® treatments are required?
The ChristiMD Medical Group will discuss your goals to determine how many GAINSWave® treatments you may need. Most men need anywhere from 6-12 treatments.
Why choose GAINSWave® over Viagra, Cialis and other ED medications?
ED prescriptions are notoriously expensive, can have unwanted side effects, medication interactions and you have to remember what pills to take when. GAINSWave® is safe and effective. There are no harmful side effects.
Am I candidate for the GAINSWave® treatment?
If you suffer from ED or you want to increase your sexual performance, ChristiMD Medical Group can help with the GAINSWave® treatment.
How much does the GAINSWave® treatment cost?
Prices for treatment start at $500 per treatment. For your convenience, the ChristiMD Medical Group offers interest-free financing through Care Credit. Click here for more information.
Give us a call at 281.542.8124 to schedule your consultation with ChristiMD Medical Group and find out if the GAINSWave® treatment is right for you!