What to expect from your doctor
Ed tests: what to expect at the doctor with so many possible causes for ed, your doctor has a number of tests they can use to figure out the best treatment for you. Ed treatment overview erectile dysfunction can be treated at any age. Treatment depends on your overall health and the underlying cause of the problem. What to ask your doctor about ed it can be embarrassing to discuss sexual matters with your doctor. Yet a doctor’s appointment is neccessary if you want to get treatment for ed. Here’s how to prepare for your doctor visit. Ed vacuum devices a vacuum constriction device (vcd) is an external pump with a band on it that a man with erectile dysfunction can use to get and maintain an erection.
Sex Therapy for Erection Problems
After you’ve assembled this information, make an appointment with your urologist or primary care physician. They will look for physical causes for your erectile dysfunction. They may also refer you to a sex therapist. Sex therapists like those at the center for growth / sex therapy in philadelphia are trained to pinpoint the connection between emotional health and ed using talk therapy. A trained therapist not only explores how your family history, sexual history and your current relationship are impacting your sexual functioning, but they can also provide exercises to do alone or with a partner to build the strength and stamina of your erections.
Erection issues span a wide range of experiences from being unable to keep an erection firm for sexual intercourse to premature or delayed ejaculation. Regardless of which issue you may be experiencing, the outcome can still prove frustrating and demoralizing. First know that any form of erectile dysfunction is not only very common, but treatable. In a session with a respark therapist, you can guarantee compassion and discretion when discussing these topics. We even offer online therapy so you do not have to come into the office. Your therapy journey with respark does not need to be long-term, in fact, many clients want a quick fix and, on rare occasions, clients may only need one visit.
By megan lara negendank, ms | anxiety , relationships , sex | 2 comments here at love heal grow counseling, we are contacted multiple times a week by men who are experiencing erectile dysfunction (ed). Sometimes it’s been going on for years, sometimes they thought the issues were behind them only to be caught off guard by more problems with their erection, and sometimes they’ve only had their first episode of ed and want to get help right away so it doesn’t happen again. What i want these men to know–and usually what i tell them in our first session–is that they are not alone: most men experience sexual problems at some point in their lives.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Erectile dysfunction (ed) is one of the most prevalent sexual disorders in men and has therefore attracted much research attention. 1 , 2 , 3 most studies, however, are uniformly directed towards exploring biological markers, which is partly due to the widespread and easy accessibility of medical treatments such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (pdei5) since the late 90s, leaving the psychological and social underpinnings of ed underexposed. This is remarkable because erectile function involves a dynamic interplay between vascular, neurologic, hormonal as well as psychological and relational/social factors. 4 , 5 furthermore, a disruption of the sexual response causes considerable distress in men and their partners.
A common problem that men may experience in their life is being unable to maintain or achieve an erection during sexual activity. For many, this lack of functioning can be traced back to a health problem such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, etc. However, for approximately 13%-21% of men between the ages 40 and 80, the lack of sexual functioning can be attributed to psychological factors ( american psychiatric association , 2013). In such a case, it is possible that he is experiencing erectile dysfunction (ed). According to the dsm-5, to be diagnosed with erectile dysfunction, a man must be experiencing at least one of three prominent symptoms for a minimum of six months for 75-100% of the time during sexual activity, while also experiencing distress from the problem.
Erectile dysfunction can result from a variety of causes, such as: vascular disease: vascular diseases like atherosclerosis can cause the blood flow to the penis to become restricted or constrained (hardening of the arteries). Neurological conditions (like multiple sclerosis): strokes, diabetes, and other conditions can affect the nerves that transmit signals to the penis. Psychological conditions: these include worries about performing, tension, sadness, and a lack of brain stimulation. Trauma: an injury may make ed symptoms worse. Ed may also be brought on by chronic sickness and certain drugs, including a disorder known as peyronie’s disease. Additionally, bladder, colon, and prostate cancer treatments may have contributed.
There is little research to suggest massage therapy is a successful treatment for ed. However, some small studies have found that men who use the practice do experience some positive results. If you’re experiencing ed, talk with a doctor about the possible causes and what treatments are available. Underlying issues like infection and an enlarged prostate could be causing difficulties with erection. Specific treatments could successfully restore full function. Massage therapy can also be a part of ed treatment, but it’s important to understand the limits. While it might be helpful for some people, the research is not strong.
Performance anxiety about sexual performance, including anxiety about the ability to get or maintain an erection. Use of alcohol and other drugs. Anxiety associated with sleeping with a new partner. Switching to a new barrier birth control method; condoms can reduce stimulation and might make it more difficult for some men to maintain an erection, especially at first. Stress or distraction. Erectile dysfunction is more common as men age. When erectile dysfunction is frequent, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy ; a man becomes anxious about his ability to perform and then loses his erection. Several health conditions can cause frequent erectile dysfunction including: hormonal imbalances.
A lot of people are nervous before their first sex therapy session, because they don’t know what to expect. The following is just a sampling of what you will get in your personalized 90-minute consult with me: some helpful psycho-education: erectile dysfunction is roughly understood as trouble getting and/or maintaining an erection at least 75% of the time. The 22 risk factors involved in erectile dysfunction can be divided into 4 categories; medical/medication; lifestyle; psychological; relationship. Did you know that the majority of e. D. Cases involve physical/medical & lifestyle factors? yup. And that’s why i make sure to spend a significant amount of time in your first visit assessing and ruling out those things (because frankly, “mind over matter” approaches will not change a blood flow problem).