You’ve got the desire, but your body won’t cooperate, leaving you frustrated. We hear this description of erectile dysfunction (ED) often, so if this is your experience, please know you are not alone.
ED affects between 30 and 50 million men in the United States, and researchers continue to study its causes and solutions. So far, what they’ve uncovered can get you on the right track toward improving your sexual health. Here, Dr. Robert J. Cornell and our team of men's healthcare specialists share four key ways to boost your sexual function.
If you struggle with ED, schedule an appointment with us so we can identify where to focus treatment. While erections might seem simple, the process involves several systems working together, including your:
A malfunction in any one of these areas can lead to ED, so we first investigate your overall health to identify any roadblocks. For example, ED can indicate narrowed blood vessels, so we check your cardiovascular health and other key areas to guide your care.
Cardiovascular disease ranks among the most common contributors to ED: Your penis needs healthy blood flow for erections.
Other health conditions associated with ED include diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity (more on this in a moment).
When we find an underlying health condition driving your ED, we focus on treating that condition to improve your sexual health.
Modern life brings no shortage of stress, which can take a toll on your sexual and emotional health. On top of that, about 1 in 10 men experience anxiety or depression, which can also wreak havoc on sexual health.
Seeking help for mental health challenges can help you get your life back on track, including your sexual vitality.
Obesity poses a serious risk to sexual function. It changes the metabolic environment in your body and increases cardiovascular disease risk. Both of these can lead to ED.
So, if you have obesity, one of the best steps you can take to improve your sexual and overall health is to lose weight and exercise. We know this is easier said than done, but it is achievable, and we’re here to help.
Schedule a sexual health evaluation with Dr. Cornell at our Houston office. As you work on improving your sexual health, we can also prescribe medications to help with erections. And, if these strategies don’t fully restore your sexual health, we also offer other options, such as penile implants.
