Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.
Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common men’s health conditions and one of the most underreported. Most men deal with it quietly for longer than they should. That’s a problem, because ED is usually treatable, and sometimes it’s an early sign of something else worth catching.
Why ED happens
The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that roughly 52% of men between 40 and 70 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction. It’s far more common than most people think.
ED results from disruption in one or more systems: blood flow, nerve signaling, hormones, or psychological readiness. Common causes include:
- Cardiovascular disease and arterial narrowing
- Diabetes (affects both vascular and nerve function)
- Low testosterone
- High blood pressure and certain medications (especially beta blockers and SSRIs)
- Anxiety, depression, or performance-related stress
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Neurological conditions
Because ED can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, a proper evaluation matters beyond just sexual function.
Finding the root cause first
At Men’s Wellness Centers, we run labs before recommending anything. Testosterone levels, blood glucose, lipid panel, cardiovascular and metabolic markers. Treatment that doesn’t address the cause works less well and misses the bigger picture.
Learn more about how the evaluation process works.
Oral medications
FDA-approved prescription oral medications are the most common first-line treatment. They improve blood flow to penile tissue in response to sexual stimulation. They don’t cause erections on their own.
These medications work for roughly 60-70% of men with ED. They’re less effective when cardiovascular disease is severe, when certain medications interfere, or when the ED has a significant psychological component. Side effects are generally mild. Your physician determines which option fits based on your health history.
Injection therapy
For men who don’t respond to oral medications, or can’t take them, injectable therapy is a highly effective alternative. A physician-prescribed medication is self-injected before sexual activity. It dilates blood vessels and increases local blood flow.
Response rates tend to be higher than oral medications. Men who haven’t responded to pills often respond well to injectables.
Shockwave therapy
Low-intensity shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate blood vessel repair and growth in penile tissue. It’s primarily used for vasculogenic ED, where reduced blood flow is the issue.
Research shows improvements in erectile function and reduced medication dependence in appropriate candidates. It’s not for everyone, but in the right patient it can be effective, particularly combined with other treatments.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle affects erectile function more than most men expect:
- Exercise improves erectile function, even moderate aerobic activity
- Weight loss improves ED in overweight men
- Quitting smoking reduces ED risk
- Limiting alcohol helps
- Addressing sleep apnea often improves sexual function
For mild ED, lifestyle changes alone sometimes resolve it. For moderate to severe cases, they improve the response to medical treatment.
When to see a specialist
If ED has been going on for a few months, is getting worse, or is accompanied by low libido or other symptoms, get evaluated. Self-treating with supplements or unregulated products doesn’t work and isn’t safe.
Understanding whether low testosterone is contributing to your ED can change the treatment approach entirely.
Getting evaluated at Men’s Wellness Centers
Our ED evaluation includes same-day blood work, health history review, and a consultation with a physician who specializes in men’s health. We don’t prescribe before we understand the cause.
Same-day appointments at all three Virginia locations: Richmond (Glen Allen), Newport News, and Virginia Beach. Free consultation. Call 866-344-4955 or book online.
Medical references
- Feldman HA, et al. “Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study.” Journal of Urology. 1994. PubMed: 8254833
- Burnett AL, et al. “Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline.” Journal of Urology. 2018. PubMed: 29746562
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.