ED Can Be a Big Problem

by | Jul 6, 2015

Erectile dysfunction is a sometimes embarrassing medical issue that many men do not seek treatment for. Sex is an act of love, vulnerability and humanity and it should be able to be expressed freely without shame. At Protea Medical Center, we treat the patient first, making the illness actually cured. ED is a lot more of a common problem than most people realize with over 50% of men over the age of 40 that are affected by it. Here are the basics of ED that you should know. Call Protea Medical Center for a consultation today.

Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex.

Having erection trouble from time to time isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. If erectile dysfunction is an ongoing issue, however, it can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. Problems getting or keeping an erection also can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease down the road.

If you’re concerned about erectile dysfunction, talk to your doctor – even if you’re embarrassed. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.

Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

  • Trouble getting an erection
  • Trouble keeping an erection
  • Reduced sexual desire

When to see a doctor

A family doctor is a good place to start when you have erectile problems. See your doctor if:

  • You have concerns about your erections or you’re experiencing other sexual problems, including ejaculatory dysfunction, such as premature or delayed ejaculation
  • You have diabetes, heart disease or another known health condition that might be linked to erectile dysfunction
  • You have other symptoms along with erectile dysfunction