Consultants in Urology recognizes that many men and women suffer from sexual health issues. These issues include problems such as impotence and premature ejaculation in men and sexual problems due to neurological diseases and spinal cord injuries in men and women.

Erectile dysfunction or impotence is defined as the inability to achieve an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), erectile dysfunction affects as many as 20 million men in the U.S. It can create significant emotional stress and affect the quality of life of the men who experience it as well as in the lives of their sexual partners. Once thought to be an unavoidable result of aging, erectile dysfunction is now understood to be caused by a variety of physical health factors such as poor circulation and nerve damage. Knowing how these factors contribute to erectile dysfunction is the first step toward overcoming the problem.

What are the symptoms?

The only symptom of an erection problem is the inability to have or maintain an erection that is firm enough to consistently have sexual intercourse. This inability may or may not be related to sexual interest or the ability to have an orgasm and to ejaculate.

How are erection problems diagnosed?

A health professional can diagnose an erection problem using a medical and sexual history and a physical examination. Your health professional will want to know whether the erection problem occurs all the time or occasionally. The initial exam, laboratory tests, and possibly psychological tests can help determine whether the problem is physical, psychological, or a combination of the two.

How are they treated?

Treatment often includes lifestyle changes, such as avoiding tobacco, drugs, and alcohol. Discussing the issue with your partner, participating in sensual exercises, and seeking counseling may help. Further treatment may include oral medications (such as Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis), vacuum devices, or injection of medications into the penis. Surgery to place an implant in the penis also is an option.

Do not take Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis if you are taking nitrate medications—such as nitroglycerin—for heart problems. The combination of nitrates and any of these medications can lower your blood pressure to a dangerous level. You also should not take certain alpha-blockers (used to lower blood pressure and to treat an enlarged prostate) with these medications because of the risk of a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Check with your health professional to see whether you can take Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis with your alpha-blocker.

Over 90% of patients are capable of resuming sexual relations after correct diagnosis and therapy. Our offices offers the latest diagnostic and treatment plans available anywhere.