Erectile Dysfunction

What causes Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be caused by lifestyle issues and underlying health conditions. Drinking too much alcohol and smoking cigarettes can lead to ED. Chronic stress and anxiety also affect your ability to have an erection.

In most cases, ED is caused by a health condition that impacts your sexual function. Some of the problems often responsible for ED include:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heart disease
• Blood vessel disease
• Sleep disorders
• Enlarged prostate

You may also develop ED when you have a hormonal imbalance, such as low testosterone.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone in men?

Testosterone levels naturally decline as you get older. You can also develop low testosterone when you have hypogonadism, a condition in which the testicles don’t produce enough hormones.

The symptoms of low testosterone include:

• Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido
• Loss of muscle mass
• Osteoporosis
• Hair loss
• The growth of breast tissue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue

Dr. Ntaimo treats hypogonadism if it’s the underlying problem. Otherwise, low testosterone is treated with bioidentical hormone replacement.

What are the treatment options for ED?

Dr. Ntaimo performs a comprehensive physical exam and may order other diagnostic tests, depending on your overall health.

After determining the cause of your ED, your customized treatment plan may include one or more of the following treatment options:

The P-Shot® (Priapus Shot®)

The P-shot consists of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is made from your own blood. After Dr. Ntaimo draws a blood sample, it’s processed to separate platelets from other blood components. These concentrated platelets are used in the PRP injection.

Platelets are rich sources of proteins called growth factors. In your body, growth factors naturally stimulate the production of new tissues.

When PRP is injected into the penis, it stimulates the production of collagen and blood vessels. This tissue renewal continues for about three months, restoring your sexual response and improving the strength of your erections.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy restores your hormones back to their normal levels. Dr. Ntaimo prescribes bioidentical hormones because they have the same molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced in your body.  

You’ll receive bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in the form of a tiny pellet that’s injected under your skin. Pellets provide an important advantage over other forms, like pills and injections. The pellets constantly release a steady amount of testosterone, which keeps your hormones evenly balanced.

Pellets do not increase your risk of blood clots, because they prevent fluctuations in hormone levels that are often responsible for side effects. Each pellet provides continuous hormonal balance for about 3-6 months.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a noninvasive procedure that can help restore natural, spontaneous erections. When high-frequency, low-intensity sound waves pass through your penis, they trigger a healing reaction that:

• Promotes growth of new blood vessel and nerves
• Breaks up plaque within the penile blood vessels
• Triggers growth of new tissue to restore damaged tissues

Shockwave therapy is a safe and painless procedure. After Dr. Ntaimo applies a numbing cream, you’ll wait about 20 minutes for it to take effect. The actual procedure only takes 20-25 minutes, then you can return to your normal daily routine. You’ll need at least six treatments for optimal results, such as stronger and more sustained erections.

Erectile Dysfunction can be effectively treated. Call Empowerment Med or book an appointment online.

Empowerment Med proudly serves Hearne, Navasota, Caldwell, Madisonville, Franklin, Brenham, Iola, Snook, North Zulch, Kurten, Bryan.