Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often overly associated with aging. While aging can be a contributing factor, erectile dysfunction is a much more broadly experienced condition that impacts men of any age and at any stage of life. Despite this prevalence, many men avoid seeking treatment for ED.
Untreated erectile dysfunction has implications that extend far beyond the bedroom and affect men’s health in many areas. Making an appointment for ED can be an important step towards preventing disease, improving relationships, and guarding your psychological well-being. At Balanced Medical Solutions in Hayward, CA, we encourage every man who is experiencing persistent signs of erectile dysfunction to schedule an appointment with their doctor.
Why Do Men Delay Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction?
Stigma and embarrassment may prevent men from addressing their ED. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 52% of men experience some form of ED. Of these, 8% of men affected by ED are in their 20s, and many of these cases are in otherwise fit and healthy men. With so many men facing this issue, it’s important to recognize that ED is more common than you might think, regardless of your age.
Some men delay seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction because of a lack of awareness about available options. Medication, while effective in many cases, is not the only solution. For men who have contraindications to ED medications or who have other reasons for avoiding medication may not seek out treatment because they don’t realize that there are more options available today.
What Happens When Erectile Dysfunction Goes Untreated?
Erectile Dysfunction as a Symptom of Underlying Health Concerns
Erectile dysfunction may be the symptom of an underlying health condition rather than an isolated issue. Conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances can contribute to ED. Think of erectile dysfunction as an early warning sign that could help your doctor diagnose or prevent more serious health conditions. While not all cases of ED are indicative of an underlying disease, it is important to rule them out as quickly as possible when you first start to experience difficulties in the bedroom.
The Mental Health Connection: Why ED Is Linked to Anxiety and Depression
Mental health and sexual health are connected in men and can create a cycle of worsening symptoms. Men who are already struggling with concerns such as anxiety and depression can experience ED as another far-reaching effect of poor mental health. The opposite is also true. Men who have erectile dysfunction for unrelated reasons are twice as likely to begin suffering from depression compared to those without the condition. The strain of not being able to perform in the bedroom can affect overall mood and performance in daily life where it can begin affecting relationships, friendships, and performance at work.
The Connection Between ED and Heart Health
Erectile dysfunction can be a warning sign for heart health issues. The blood vessels in the penis are smaller than those in other parts of the body, so they’re more likely to show problems early. If you’re having trouble with erections, it could be due to reduced blood flow, which can also affect your heart. Conditions like atherosclerosis, where the arteries become clogged, or high blood pressure may be contributing to your ED. In these cases, erectile dysfunction can begin three to five years before a heart attack or other complications occur.
The Connection Between ED and Stroke
Erectile dysfunction and stroke risk are closely connected. Like with heart health, ED often points to poor blood circulation, which can also affect your brain. If the arteries are damaged or blocked, it increases the risk of stroke. The same factors that contribute to ED, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking, can also put you at higher risk for stroke. By addressing root causes of ED, we may also help reduce some of the risk factors associated with strokes.
The Impact of ED on Fertility and Reproductive Health
While erectile dysfunction itself doesn’t directly affect sperm or the ability to conceive, it can make conception more difficult. ED often makes it challenging to achieve or maintain an erection long enough for successful intercourse, which impacts reproductive health. In some cases, ED can be linked to underlying hormonal imbalances or other medical issues that may affect fertility. By treating ED, we’re not only improving sexual function but also helping remove barriers that might stand in the way of family planning.
Treating ED to Improve Overall Health and Longevity
Regular sexual activity provides several physical health benefits for men, including improved cardiovascular health, hormone regulation, and a reduced risk of certain cancers. For example, men who ejaculated more than 20 times per month were 20% less likely to develop prostate cancer later in life.
Sex also boosts the immune system, increases blood flow, and helps maintain healthy testosterone levels. Sexual activity has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and improved mental well-being, helping men feel more relaxed and energized. Many of these benefits are especially important for men over 50. Treating your ED can help you experience many of these benefits and improve your overall physical health and longevity.
What Treatments Exist for Erectile Dysfunction?
- Hormone Treatments: Treating hormonal imbalances can improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction. We offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) including injections, creams, oral medications, and pellets. We also offer testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and peptide treatments to improve hormonal balance.
- Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy, including GAINSWave®, EPAT, Radial Pressure Wave Therapy, and Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (Li-ESWT) are noninvasive and non-medicated ways to promote blood flow and tissue regeneration. These treatments break up plaque in existing blood vessels and encourage the growth of new blood vessels in the area. Regular treatments can improve ED and can also be used as a preventative measure.
- PRP, Stem Cell, and Exosome Injections: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell, and exosome injections are regenerative therapies that heal tissues and increase blood flow. By using one or more of these methods, we can restore healthy function over time and address some of the root causes of ED while improving sensation.
- Medications: PDE5 inhibitors like vardenafil (Levitra®), sildenafil (Viagra®), and tadalafil (Cialis®) can be very effective for treating erectile dysfunction. We also offer customized Trimix, Quadmix, and Bimix therapies which are injected directly into the penis and can be used for men who have not responded well to other medications.
- Adjustment of Medications: Sometimes, medications you’re taking for other conditions, like high blood pressure or depression, can cause erectile dysfunction. In these cases, adjusting or switching your medication under your doctor’s guidance can make a difference. We can help you evaluate your current medications and explore alternatives that may alleviate ED without compromising the treatment of your other conditions.
Explore Erectile Dysfunction Treatments and Overcome Your ED
Erectile dysfunction is more than just a physical issue; it can signal underlying health concerns and impact your mental well-being. With the variety of treatment options available, from hormone therapies to regenerative medicine, you don’t have to rely solely on medications to improve your condition. To learn more about your options and to schedule a medical evaluation, reach out to us at Balanced Medical Solutions in the Bay Area by calling 510-679-3300 or by filling out our online form.
