Centers of Excellence

Confronting Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is best defined as the inability to attain or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. ED typically occurs when blood flow to the penis is obstructed due to hardening and narrowing blood vessels.

Erectile dysfunction is more common than you might think — around 50% of men in their 50s have mild to moderate symptoms. One of the primary objectives of our Men’s Health program is to break down the communication barriers that prevent our patients from discussing sensitive subjects like ED with their urologist.

How is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?

A physician exams you to identify the condition causing your ED and then creates a personalized treatment plan to restore sexual function. Treatment options include oral medications, testosterone replacement therapy, vacuum devices and in rare cases, surgery.

ED can also be improved by:

• Giving up tobacco
• Maintaining a healthy diet
• Exercise
• Weight loss
• Managing conditions like diabetes and/or high blood pressure
•  Testosterone replacement therapy (for those with low testosterone)

We also have an in-house dispensary where we can prescribe oral medications such as generic versions of Viagra and Cialis.

Treating Low Testosterone Levels

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles. Not only does it stimulate sperm production and regulate a sex drive, but it also helps build muscle and bone mass.

Low testosterone can cause the following symptoms in men:

• Low sex drive
• Difficulty with erections
• Low semen volume
• Hair loss
• Fatigue
• Increased body fat
• Mood changes
• Reduced testicle size
• Low testosterone levels have also been linked to various cardiac risk factors, such as high blood pressure, blood clots, and abnormal heart rhythm.

How is Low Testosterone Treated?

In our Men’s Health program, a urologist works with you to implement a treatment plan that restores hormone health. Some common treatment options include topical creams and gels, injections or subdermal pellets. In addition, your doctor may recommend dietary adjustments and daily exercise to help regulate natural hormone production.

Testosterone therapy requires frequent checkups to monitor your hormone levels and symptoms to ensure your treatment is effective. Your doctor can adjust your therapy as needed to optimize your health.

Overcoming Peyronie’s Disease

Peyronie’s disease is a noncancerous condition resulting from fibrous scar tissue that develops on the penis and causes curved, painful erections. This condition rarely goes away on its own. In most men, the condition will remain as-is or continue to develop and cause more severe pain and symptoms.

How is Peyronie’s Disease Treated?

Treatment varies according to how Peyronie’s disease affects your body and life. The three general approaches are:

• Observation: Your urologist may recommend watchful waiting if your penile curvature is mild and you still have normal sexual function. If you start to experience pain or other problems, you may need treatment to eradicate the plaque or surgery to straighten your penis.
• Injections: XiaFlex® is a medication that your urologist injects directly into the penis. When combined with specific stretching and straightening exercises, this medication effectively destroys the plaque in your penis. You need one to four XiaFlex® treatment cycles, spaced six weeks apart, with each cycle including two injections. For many men with Peyronie’s disease, XiaFlex® is a successful treatment.
• Surgery: If needed, your urologist can place a penile implant that straightens your penis and allows for normal sexual function. This is an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour.

There’s no reason to live with painful erections, erectile difficulties and other problems of Peyronie’s disease.