Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a distressing problem where you frequently have difficulty getting or keeping an erection. At Cypress Urology in Cypress, Texas, board-certified urologist Kumaran Sathyamoorthy, MD, MPH, and physician assistant Maelyn Dishman, PA-C, offer solutions to the worry of erectile dysfunction. Patients have had great success with low-intensity shock wave therapy (LIST) and the other innovative treatments the practice provides. For expert erectile dysfunction care, call Cypress Urology today or go online to schedule a consultation.

What is erectile dysfunction??

If you have erectile dysfunction (ED), you experience problems becoming erect or sustaining your erection long enough to have sex.

Most men experience occasional difficulties getting an erection, especially when tired or after drinking too much alcohol. These infrequent problems aren’t a cause for concern, but if you often have difficulties with erections, you could benefit from ED treatment at Cypress Urology.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

ED can occur if anything regularly interferes with the physical or psychological processes that lead to an erection.

Male sexual arousal begins with desire and hormone release. It also requires healthy function in your circulatory system, nerves, and muscles to achieve a satisfactory erection. Many issues can affect these processes and lead to ED, including:

• Atherosclerosis (narrowed arteries)
• Chronic stress
• Depression
• Low testosterone
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Relationship problems
• High blood pressure
• Sleep disorders
• Pelvic and spinal cord injuries
• Some medications
• Excess body weight

To determine what’s causing your ED, your Cypress Urology provider performs a diagnostic exam and runs tests. They also ask about your lifestyle and review your medical history.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

The treatment your urologist recommends for ED depends on what’s causing your condition. Options include:

Lifestyle changes
Depending on your habits, you might need to:

• Lose weight
• Quit smoking
• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Eat a healthier diet
• Reduce your cholesterol levels
• Reduce and manage stress
• Get more exercise

If the medications you take for another health problem could be causing ED, discuss making changes with your doctor. 

Counseling
Mental health problems like depression and issues with your relationships can benefit enormously from counseling or talk therapy.

Medications
Medications like vardenafil (Levitra®) and sildenafil (Viagra®) increase blood flow to your penis. They’re effective when taken before you plan to have sex, but they don’t address the underlying causes of ED.

Low-intensity shock wave therapy (LIST)
LIST involves applying painless sound waves to the penis. This treatment encourages new blood vessel growth, increasing the blood supply to your penis.

Men with ED who don't respond to Viagra or Cialis may benefit from Low-Intensity shock wave therapy to the penis. (LIST)

If you repeatedly have difficulties getting an erection, call Cypress Urology for expert help with erectile dysfunction. Phone the office or book an appointment online today.