When erectile dysfunction affects your intimacy or routine, MU Health Care can provide expert care and treatment options to help alleviate your symptoms and get your sexual health and lifestyle back on track.
If you're dealing with erectile dysfunction, you're not alone. It's a common condition, with about 40% of men in their 40s experiencing it. But it's also very treatable with the right care.
Erectile dysfunction is characterized by trouble getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sex. It can be caused by physical health issues, psychological factors or both.
It's normal to experience occasional challenges with erections, but if it keeps happening or makes intimacy too difficult, it could point to a health issue that needs attention.
At MU Health Care, we're here to help you take that first step. With our expert teams and evidence-based care, we can help you regain control of your sexual health.
Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms
Erectile dysfunction doesn't look the same for everyone. You might experience:
- Difficulty getting an erection
- Difficulty keeping an erection during sex
- Decreased interest in sex
When to Seek Care for Erectile Dysfunction
If you're regularly having trouble getting or keeping an erection — or if things like timing or performance are worsening — it may be time to talk to your doctor.
These symptoms can sometimes point to other health concerns, such as cardiovascular issues, and getting the right support early can help you get answers and maximize your treatment options.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Getting and keeping an erection takes coordination between your brain, hormones, nerves and blood flow. Erectile dysfunction can happen when any of these are disrupted, and mental health issues like stress or anxiety can make it worse. Often, erectile dysfunction is caused by a mix of physical and emotional factors.
Physical Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Physical causes of erectile dysfunction include:
- Being overweight or having metabolic syndrome
- Conditions like Peyronie's disease
- Heart disease or poor blood flow
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
- Low testosterone levels
- Neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis)
- Past surgeries or injuries to the pelvic area or spine
- Prostate cancer treatments
- Side effects from certain medications
- Sleep apnea and other sleep issues
- Tobacco, alcohol or drug use
Mental Health Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Mental health factors that can contribute to erectile dysfunction include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Relationship issues
- Stress
How We Diagnose Erectile Dysfunction
At MU Health Care, we take great care to understand your symptoms, health history and lifestyle habits to get a better sense of what might be causing erectile dysfunction.
We may also use the following diagnostic methods:
- A mental health screening to see if stress, anxiety or other emotional factors are involved
- A physical exam to check your overall health
- An ultrasound to see how blood is flowing to the penis
- Blood tests to look at hormone levels and rule out other conditions
How We Treat Erectile Dysfunction
Our team includes urologists, hormone specialists and mental health professionals who work together to find the right treatment plan for you.
Treatment options for ED may include:
- Counseling: Therapy can help if stress, anxiety or relationship concerns are contributing factors.
- Lifestyle changes: Small shifts in diet, exercise or quitting smoking can make a real difference in sexual function.
- Medication: Oral medications can help improve blood flow.
- Surgery: For more severe cases, we may explore surgical options, including malleable rod or inflatable penile implants.
- Vacuum devices: These can help create an erection when needed.
Personalized Erectile Dysfunction Care
Erectile dysfunction can affect many parts of your life, but you don't have to navigate it alone.
At MU Health Care, our team brings together experts across different fields, advanced technology and the latest research to provide exceptional care all in one place.
We'll take a careful look at what may be contributing to your erectile dysfunction and create a personalized care plan that fits your needs and goals.
Why Choose MU Health Care for Erectile Dysfunction Care
Highest Level of Care in the Region
MU Health Care receives countless referrals from other hospitals in the region, because there is no higher level of urological care. Instead of treating them like competitors, we collaborate with other urologists in the area to ensure anyone referred to MU Health Care gets the informed care they deserve.
Experts Specialized in the Care You Need
Our experts have subspecialty training and multiple levels of experience and operate in many different ways, including with:
- Cameras and scopes
- High powered lasers
- Microscopes
- The latest minimally invasive robotic technology — the da Vinci 5
This means faster recovery times, minimal scarring, and fewer risks of complications.
Supporting Your Entire Health Journey
Many of our urologists collaborate across subspecialties to bring you care that meets all your needs. Whether you need cardiological care, oncological care, or surgical care, our well-connected MU Health Care specialists can support you at every step of your health care journey.
