Erectile Dysfunction

The medical term for erectile dysfunction is impotence.

This is defined as the inability to get or sustain an erection strong enough for sexual intercourse.

Most men suffer from erectile dysfunction problems at some time in their lives. For some, these moments of erectile dysfunction are passing phases which time sorts out without any medical intervention. For others, it’s a serious issue that does require help from doctors specialised in impotence to get their sex lives back on track.

If you are having trouble getting an erection or keeping one long enough for sex to finish, then you should seek medical help without delay. It is vital that impotence problems be investigated to rule out any other underlying medical condition that could be causing your erectile dysfunction.

What causes Impotence?

The inability to get or sustain an erection can have many causes. It is essential that these potential causes be adequately investigated so that an effective treatment plan can be created for you. Similarly, if any underlying medical conditions are causing your erectile dysfunction, these will also need to be addressed.

A physical disorder does not always cause impotence. Quite often psychological issues may also be a factor such as stress.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms give us a call and arrange an appointment with our Doctors today;

  • You cannot get an erection at all when you want sex
  • You can get an erection, but it goes down before sex has finished
  • Your libido (desire for sex) has noticeably diminished.

You should also contact us if:

  • You have other health concerns alongside your erectile dysfunction.
  • You have other medical conditions that you feel may be affecting your erections
  • You have other symptoms that have developed recently together with erection problems
We are joined once again by David Mills and Dr Greta Peciulyte who explains what erectile dysfunction is.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is the inability of obtain or maintain an erection for the purposes of sexual intercourse.

ED can affect men of any age and the severity of this condition varies.

At its worst, men cannot obtain any erection at all, even with sexual stimulation from their partner. You can also say goodbye to morning erections, as they will be a thing of the past.

In these circumstances, consultation with a Urologist is essential so that the ED can be fully investigated. In many cases there is an underlying cause which may be manifesting in a problem with erections. Such conditions include diabetes and hypertension. Many medications can also inhibit erection quality.  If you have been prescribed a new medication, check the leaflet to see if this could be a factor.

Early onset erectile dysfunction should also be investigated. Modern screening may include a series of blood tests to check for key markers. An ultrasound of the penis can also check the blood flow to the area, a vital factor in erection quality.

Thankfully, there are a series of oral medications that can help with early onset erectile dysfunction. In many cases only a short course of medication may be required until the natural erections return on their own. For example, conditions such as depression, a bereavement can all have an effect on erection quality. Some assistance in these circumstances may go a long way until the patient feels better and erections begin to improve.

Oral medications include those that are taken just before sexual intercourse. Others are taken on a daily basis. These medications are the first line of defence to treat erectile dysfunction.

For many men they are able to improve the strength of the erections and they can successfully engage in sexual intercourse.

Over time, erectile dysfunction can, and often does, get worse. This could be because of a variety of factors. For example, as an associated medical condition gets worse oral medications stop working as well or stop working altogether. In many cases Doctors will then consider injections of prostaglandin. These are injections that you administer at home, just before you have sexual intercourse. When they work, they work spectacularly, inducing an erection in a matter of minutes.

Again, when the dose has been correctly calculated based on your personal requirements, this treatment will give you an erection every time. This is a popular treatment for erectile dysfunction where oral medication is not working.

The main drawback of this treatment is that you have to self-inject your penis. Not all men are comfortable with this prospect and the injections can be painful. Not only that, but the job of having to self-inject the penis half way through love making is a major interruption that some men find very difficult to work with.

When injections stop working, or when men refuse to consider them at all for the reasons we have mentioned, the next step up is an implant. These are considered the “end stage “of erectile dysfunction. For men who have had surgery for prostate cancer for example they are the only option as no other treatments are able to restore erections anymore. There are two types of penile implant, a malleable implant, and an inflatable implant. They work slightly differently but the fact remains the same for both that these are mechanical erections and spell the end for “natural” erections. This is why most Urologists will try and find ways to keep your natural erections in place for as long as possible. When you choose an implant there is no going back. Of course, when they are the right choice, they are a very good option to combat erectile dysfunction. You will never need to worry about not getting an erection anymore.

At the end of the day, most men experience some form of erectile dysfunction over the course of their lives. Thankfully, it’s a treatable condition and if you are struggling with your erections seek help without delay. First rule out any underlying conditions, this is really important, then focus on find the treatment that gets your erections back on track.

Can Erectile Dysfunction be reversed?

If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction you will know how distressing, frustrating, and upsetting it can be. Thankfully, erectile dysfunction can be treated. The sooner you seek help, the sooner your erections will be back on track.

If you are having trouble with your erections for the first time, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Many men are embarrassed to seek help and turn to lotions and potions online. It’s important to remember that erectile dysfunction can be due to another underlying, undiagnosed, medical condition. It’s therefore really important to seek help to rule out anything else.

Your first port of call is probably your GP. The other option is to seek the help of a Urologist. A Urologist has specialist training in treating erectile dysfunction, from medications to penile implants.

If you suffer from existing medical conditions then it could be that these are starting to affect your erections. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, drug or alcohol abuse, to name a few.

The first line of treatment if you cannot get, or cannot sustain an erection are usually penis vacuum pumps, with or without oral medication. These can be very effective at boosting your erection quality. If you have tried these and they have not worked, or are starting to fail, then the next considerations could be injections. These are injections that you give yourself just before you have sex. Injections are not tolerated by everyone. They can interrupt sexual activity and some men do not want to inject their penis .

Where injections have failed, or men do not want to use injections, a penile implant could be an option. A penile implant is the “end-stage” of erectile dysfunction. When you have had an implant placed there is no going back to natural erections. Urologists will usually do everything they can to protect your natural erections before considering an implant.

If, together with your Urologist, you decide that a penile implant is the best option, then you can move forward knowing that you will always be able to get an erection when you want one. The erection will be hard enough for sexual intercourse.

As you can see, there is always an option to get your erections back on track if they are not what they used to be.

How can I improve matters myself?

Together with your Moorgate Doctor, there will be certain things that you could do to help improve your erections and resolve your impotence issue. We work with you on a holistic level to get things moving forward once again.
Begin by trying to cut down on smoking or even better, stop altogether.
Cut down on alcohol if you drink over the recommended units per week
Try to cut down stress in your everyday life if you feel this could be a factor
Make sure you see your Doctor if you have ongoing health conditions

What treatments are out there for erectile dysfunction?

You do not need to suffer impotence. There are a number of options our Doctors can consider to get your erections back and resolve your erectile dysfunction problem. These include:

The next step is to arrange a consultation so that we can begin the process of assessing what is causing your impotence. Then we can start to put a plan together that gets you your sex life back on track and get rid of your erectile dysfunction.

The sooner you get in touch, the sooner you can be having a satisfying sex life once again. Do it for you and do it for your partner.

Erectile Dysfunction FAQ’s

Can erectile dysfunction be treated without surgery?

We offer a range of non surgical erectile dysfunction treatments here at Moorgate. These include penile injections, oral medications and erectile dysfunction creams.

If you’ve tried this type of treatment and they haven’t worked, or haven’t given you the effects you want, there are surgical options available.

Does smoking cause erectile dysfunction?

Gaining an erection is all about blood flow to the penis When you smoke it narrows your arteries so reducing the amount you smoke, or stopping altogether, will help.

It may not be the main cause of the condition but it is something to be aware of if you start experiencing the symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?

The main symptom of erectile dysfunction is that you are unable or struggle to gain and maintain an erection.

Another least common symptom is that you’ll start to feel a decrease in your libido.

If you start experiencing any of these symptoms, then don’t hesitate to contact us and book a consultation to talk through your treatment options.

Is erectile dysfunction common in young men?

It’s not just older men that develop erectile dysfunction. Men of all ages can suffer from the condition.

If you do suffer from erectile dysfunction then there are simple and effective treatments available that can give you the confidence you need in the bedroom.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

When the circulation of blood in your penis is interrupted, you may experience erectile dysfunction.

Erections are formed using blood vessels, so when there is a problem with them the inability to have an erection is likely.

Other medical problems in the heart, blood or conditions such as diabetes may also contribute to causing erectile dysfunction.

Can vitamins treat erectile dysfunction?

Vitamins can help boost your sexual performance and can help with erections. Vitamins aren’t a “real” cure and men shouldn’t rely on them if they want the problem to go away.

The best thing you can do, if you want to treat erectile dysfunction, is to get help and advice from a Urologist. They can guide you through the treatment process and help you decide which treatment option is best for you.

Is erectile dysfunction always a physical problem?

Erectile dysfunction isn’t always caused by a medical factor, it can be caused by something psychological too.

Psychological causes include:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety, especially performance anxiety
  • Lack of confidence.

To learn more about erectile dysfunction treatment, then speak to your GP or contact us today.

Are erectile dysfunction pills dangerous?

Many men have concerns when it comes to taking medication for their erectile dysfunction. They worry that the pills will be dangerous or cause serious side effects.

Some medications do come with a few side effects, which is why at Moorgate we offer a range of other treatments to help you with erectile dysfunction. These include penile injections, creams, and implant surgery.

Can erectile dysfunction be treated with surgery?

Erectile dysfunction can be treated with surgery. If erectile dysfunction has been caused by a psychological problem, then counseling can also help.

Erectile dysfunction surgery works by inserting an implant into the penis so that it can either be inflated or moved to form an erection.

A penile implant is usually performed as a last-resort option, when no other treatment has been successful.

Will a penile implant improve my relationship?

Any man who has recently undergone an erectile dysfunction procedure will feel a boost in confidence.

A man won’t just feel this confidence in the bedroom, it will affect his daily life too.

This will help them perform better during sex. Healthy sex life will benefit most, if not all, relationships.

What should I do when erectile dysfunction pills stop working?

If you find that your erectile dysfunction pills have stopped working or that they are giving you weaker erections, then it is important you look at other options.

There are many non-surgical alternatives which still may give the effect you desire. If you find they aren’t as effective, penile implant surgery may be something you want to consider.

Are there foods that can improve erections?

Some foods help increase blood flow to the penis, they contain vitamins and minerals that can help increase the quality of your erections.

Some foods even contain vitamins and minerals that help increase testosterone and help boost your sex drive.

They don’t offer a cure for erectile dysfunction but they can somewhat improve your erections. These foods include:

  • Chillies
  • Oysters
  • Chocolate
  • Tomatoes

Can erectile dysfunction be cured completely?

Yes, erectile dysfunction can be cured. It is cured with treatments as simple as taking oral medications or using creams.

In some cases, a man may suffer from erectile dysfunction due to psychological reasons. The erectile dysfunction phase may pass if they seek counseling, or even by just talking to another man.

What is the fastest way to cure erectile dysfunction?

All erectile dysfunction treatments are as effective as each other. The non-surgical treatments work effectively to give the quickest results.

Erectile dysfunction cream works to create an erection within 30 seconds of applying it. The erection should last long enough for you to finish sexual intercourse.

What does a Urologist do to test for erectile dysfunction?

At your consultation with the Urologist, they will carry out a series of tests which include: blood pressure measurement, tests to measure the amount of blood in your urine and a physical examination of the penis and testicles. After these tests, the Urologist will decide which treatment will suit you best.

What should I do if I can't treat erectile dysfunction non-surgically?

If you are unable to gain an erection strong enough for sex, or you are unable to maintain that erection, then we recommend you look into penile implants.

Penile implants are a surgical erectile dysfunction treatment option that aid a man in gaining an erection.

The inflatable penile implant works by inflating the penis so that it becomes hard. The malleable Penile Prosthesis creates a constant erection where all you need to do is move the penis into an upright position.