Erectile dysfunction can have a profound effect on a man’s quality
of life. It can drain his self-confidence and also affect his mental health,
causing stress or even depression. What’s important to know about
this condition is that it’s very common (affecting nearly 30 million
men) and, with a visit to an Ogden Clinic urologist, erectile dysfunction
is treatable.
Erectile dysfunction (or ED) is typically associated with the aging process
but it can also be consequence of illness or of certain medical treatments.
What’s happening internally is a disruption in the sequence of events
that lead to an erection, which can be low blood flow in the erectile
tissue or may even come from impaired nerve impulses from the brain to
the penis.
What to Expect from a Diagnostic Visit
Your general health and lifestyle will be evaluated during your first visit
with an Ogden Clinic urologist. You may be asked about existing health
problems or medications you take, if you have other urinary symptoms,
and if you are a smoker or a drinker (which can influence ED). Your urologist
may also explore your emotional health.
This visit also includes a physical exam that checks for overall health
and the health of your blood pressure, penis, and testicles. Lab tests
may be ordered for blood or urine samples and your Ogden Clinic urologist
may also use imaging tests to evaluate blood flow, scars on erectile tissue,
vein leaks, or clogged arteries.
Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction
Ogden Clinic urologists frequently prescribe medication such as Viagra®,
Levitra®, and Cialis® which are taken orally to help achieve an
erection. Testosterone replacement therapy is another medication option
for those with low testosterone (indicated with a blood test).
If the stage of your ED is not improved with medication, your doctor will
discuss more aggressive treatment options. Some treatment options available
in our Ogden and Bountiful urology offices include:
Intra-urethral therapy: Grain-size pellets of medication are inserted into the urethra through
the tip of the penis to enable an erection.
Self-injection therapy: Medication injected into the penis to increase blood flow.
Penile prosthesis: Surgery performed by an Ogden Clinic urologist wherein a bendable or inflatable
device is implanted inside the penis to create an erection.
Select providers are now using Telemedicine.
Visit
Telemedicine to see if your next visit can take place over video chat.
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