We accept Medicare & Medicaid
Serenity By A Dr. Sareen

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Erectile Dysfunction: Common Causes, Health Links and What to Expect

Trouble getting or keeping an erection is common, and it is often the first sign of something else going on in the body, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or a medicine side effect. Serenity By A Dr. Sareen sees men at its Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, and Belle Glade offices for a private, matter-of-fact conversation, a check of the underlying health conditions, and a plan.

We accept Medicare & Medicaid

What it involves

MedlinePlus defines an erection problem as being unable to get or keep an erection firm enough for intercourse. Almost all adult men have trouble now and then, and it often goes away with little or no treatment. When it is an ongoing problem it is called erectile dysfunction, or ED. MedlinePlus advises seeing a provider if trouble happens more than 25% of the time.

Who this is for

  • Men who have trouble getting or keeping an erection more than occasionally.
  • Men with diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease who have noticed a change.
  • Patients who started a new medicine and then noticed erection problems.
  • Men who want to talk privately about stress, mood or relationship strain affecting sex.

What to expect

  • Questions about when it started, whether you have morning or nighttime erections, and your medicines, alcohol and tobacco use
  • A physical exam that includes your blood pressure
  • Blood work or a urinalysis to check for diabetes, heart-related risk and low testosterone
  • A treatment plan that starts with the cause, and a referral to a urologist when needed

Why it is rarely all in your head

MedlinePlus says an erection depends on the brain, nerves, hormones and blood vessels working together, and that most erection problems have a physical cause. Emotional causes, such as stress, fear, anxiety, anger or problems with a partner, are more common in younger men, while physical causes are more common in older men. If you still have erections in the morning or at night, a physical cause is less likely. A provider asks about both sides, and the anxiety guide and depression screening guide cover two that matter.

Conditions that show up as ED

The encyclopedia names diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and thyroid conditions, clogged arteries, depression and nervous system disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson disease. Because the blood vessels that supply the penis are small, they can show trouble early. That is why a visit often includes a look at blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and why the heart disease risk guide is relevant reading.

Medicines and habits that contribute

MedlinePlus lists antidepressants, blood pressure medicines (especially beta blockers), digoxin, sleeping pills and some peptic ulcer medicines as possible causes, along with nicotine, alcohol and cocaine use, low testosterone, and nerve damage from prostate surgery. Never stop a prescription on your own; MedlinePlus advises talking to your provider about lowering the dose or switching. Because nicotine is on that list, the quitting smoking guide describes how the practice approaches helping patients stop.

What testing may involve

MedlinePlus says a provider may order urinalysis or blood tests to check for diabetes, heart problems or low testosterone, and may use specialist tests such as nighttime erection monitoring or an ultrasound of the penis. Serenity By A Dr. Sareen lists blood work among its services, and the lipid panel guide and basic metabolic panel guide explain two tests that often come up. Specialist testing is arranged by referral to a urologist.

Treatment starts with lifestyle and the cause

For many men, MedlinePlus says exercise, a healthy diet, weight loss and good sleep help, and that counseling can help a couple talk about it. Treatments that need a prescription or a specialist include pills taken by mouth, medicine placed in the urethra or injected, a vacuum device, implant surgery and testosterone replacement for low levels. Your provider can explain the risks of each. The obesity and BMI guide describes how weight is discussed at a visit.

Safety points worth knowing

MedlinePlus warns that ED pills should not be used with nitroglycerin because blood pressure can drop sharply, and that they may be unsafe after a recent stroke or heart attack, with severe heart disease, or with uncontrolled blood pressure or diabetes. It also says none of the herbs and supplements marketed for sexual performance have been proven to work and that they may not be safe. Tell your provider about every medicine and supplement, and seek emergency care for chest pain.

Is erectile dysfunction a sign of another health problem?

It can be. MedlinePlus says erection problems often have a physical cause such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart or thyroid conditions, or clogged arteries, and that ED may be a sign of health problems. A visit with Serenity By A Dr. Sareen can check for those conditions along with the medicines, habits and stress that play a role.

Does Serenity By A Dr. Sareen accept Medicare and Medicaid for erectile dysfunction evaluation?

Yes. Serenity By A Dr. Sareen accepts Medicare and Medicaid, along with major commercial insurance, at our South Florida locations. Call your nearest office and our staff will confirm your specific plan and any coverage details before scheduling your erectile dysfunction evaluation visit.

What are your office hours?

We're open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with same-day appointments and walk-ins welcome at our Loxahatchee, West Palm Beach, and Belle Glade offices. Call ahead of your visit if you'd like to confirm availability before you come in to see us.

Who is erectile dysfunction evaluation for?

Men who have trouble getting or keeping an erection more than occasionally. Our family and internal medicine team can talk through whether this fits your situation when you call to schedule a visit at one of our South Florida offices.

When should I see a provider about erection trouble?

MedlinePlus advises seeing a provider if you have trouble getting or keeping an erection more than 25% of the time, if it follows an injury or prostate surgery, or if it comes with low back pain, belly pain or a change in urination. It can also be an early sign of diabetes or heart disease.

Will my visit be private?

Yes. A visit about erection problems is handled like any other medical visit, with the same privacy protections. Your provider will ask direct but respectful questions about symptoms, medicines and health history so the cause can be found, and you can ask questions at any point.

Sources

Available at all locations

Schedule a Visit

Contact your nearest Serenity By A Dr. Sareen office to schedule a private visit about erection problems.