Erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts nearly 30 million American men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you're one of the millions of men who experience erectile issues, take a look at the top reasons to find help at an ED treatment clinic.
ED Requires a Diagnosis
Do you have ED? If you're not sure whether you truly have erectile dysfunction, you need a doctor's diagnosis. Like other medical conditions, ED requires an examination (and possibly diagnostic tests) before a doctor can recommend a treatment.
If you're self-diagnosed with ED, an appointment at a treatment clinic can provide you with:
A professional diagnosis. The medical provider has the training and experience necessary to differentiate ED from other potential problems.
Diagnostic testing. If the medical provider feels your erectile dysfunction has a medical cause, such as a hormone imbalance, they will order diagnostic tests. These may include bloodwork, other lab tests, or imaging studies.
A psychological evaluation. ED has several potential causes. While some causes are physical, erectile dysfunction may also have an emotional or psychological cause. A trained medical provider can help you to determine whether the issue is physical or psychological.
ED Is Treatable
You don't have to live with ED. Erectile dysfunction is a treatable condition — provided you have a diagnosis and the right treatment options. An ED clinic can provide alternatives, including:
Medications. Commonly used medications, such as sildenafil or tadalafil, can help men with ED to maintain an erection. Both of these options come in pill form and require a doctor's prescription for use.
Injection therapy. If you don't like the idea of taking pills daily or your doctor doesn't feel it's the best option, intracavernosal injection therapy relaxes blood flow in the area and allows you to achieve an erection.
Hormones. Does your ED have a hormonal cause? If the doctor determines a hormonal imbalance is at fault, hormone replacement patches, creams, injections, or gels may help.
Implant. A penile implant is a surgical option that can help you to achieve and maintain an erection without daily medications or injections.
The type of treatment you choose depends on several factors. These include your overall health, diagnosis (the cause of your ED), the doctor's recommendation, and your personal preference. The ED clinic provider can help you better understand the cause of this common condition and select the best medical, psychological, or surgical treatment for your needs.