What to Ask Your Urologist About Erectile Dysfunction

If you’re having difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection, and it has already become persistent or has caused significant quality-of-life issues, one mistake that you can’t afford to make is to think the problem will go away on its own.

As embarrassing as erectile dysfunction (ED) might seem, it is in your best interest to seek treatment: consult a urologist specializing in men’s sexual and reproductive health. In addition to providing the appropriate medical care, a urologist can address your concerns and questions about your condition and empower you to make educated decisions about your health.

Here are a few questions you may find worth asking your urologist about erectile dysfunction during your appointment.

Could My Age Be Causing My Impotence?

If you’ve entered middle age and you’re wondering if it has anything to do with your declining sexual function, it is worth noting that although ED is a common occurrence among men between 40 and 70 years old, age does not directly cause it.

Various factors play a significant role in male sexual function. These include the following:

• Anxiety
• Benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement
• Cardiovascular disease
• Certain prescription medications, such as antihistamines and antihypertensive
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Injury to the groin area
• Low testosterone levels
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Peyronie’s disease- penile curvature caused by a buildup of scar tissue under the skin of the penis
• Poor lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking as well as alcohol and drug abuse)
• Prostate cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Stress

How Does My Overall Health Affect My Sexual Health?

How well you take care of your health can significantly impact your ability to enjoy a satisfying sex life.

Researchers at the American Urological Association (AUA) point to heart disease as the main culprit in erectile dysfunction. Most major risk factors for heart disease (e.g., hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and smoking) are modifiable, meaning you can control them.

Your mental health and personal circumstances can stifle your sexual desire and performance. Some men cannot get and keep an erection because of extreme stress at work, or they are dealing with some performance anxiety tied to a new or strained, intimate relationship. Knowing how to cope with stress or anxiety effectively is crucial to restoring your sexual vitality.

What ED Treatment Options Are Available?

There are many treatment choices available. Your urologist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your problem. With the results in hand, your doctor will craft a suitable treatment plan for you, which can consist of any of the following approaches:

• Oral medications
• Penile suppositories
• Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
• Injections
• Vacuum-assisted device
• Penile implant

If your ED is due to an underlying medical problem, your urologist can work with your primary care physician and/or specialist to manage your condition and restore your sexual function. Your urologist may also recommend counseling if a mental health issue may be causing your ED.

Urologist in Mint Hill, Concord, and Charlotte, NC

If you live in or around Charlotte, Mint Hill, or Concord in North Carolina and are searching for a board-certified urologist, visit us here at Carolina Urology Partners for a consultation with Dr. Richard Natale.

Dr. Natale— with his expertise, extensive experience, compassionate approach to care, and the practical solutions he offers— has been a part of countless testimonials of men who have successfully reversed their erectile problems and ultimately reinvigorated their sex lives. Let him write your success story as well!

Schedule your visit with Dr. Natale today. Call our staff here at Carolina Urology Partners at (704) 786-5131, or request your confidential appointment by filling out our online form.