Erectile Dysfunction Diagnosis & Treatment
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in La Mesa, CA
Discreet, personalized care for men experiencing difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, with treatment options designed around your health, goals, and quality of life.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) refers to the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection. For an erection to occur, a specific sequence of event needs to take place, allowing blood to enter the penis while restricting the outflow of blood. The pressure created by this "trapped" blood is what maintains an erection. If there is a consistent breakdown in any steps in the sequence, erectile dysfunction is the result. Erectile dysfunction may occur at any age, however, the occurrence of ED is increasingly common as a man ages. However, it should not be accepted a natural part of aging as there are many treatment options.
ED evaluation and treatment near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides erectile dysfunction diagnosis and treatment for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities. The office is located at 8881 Fletcher Parkway, Suite 250A, La Mesa, CA 91942.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
In older men, there may be physical or medical conditions that contribute to erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction may be caused by a combination of medical, physical and psychological factors including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Physical injury
- Side effects from prescription medications
- Drug or alcohol use
- Tobacco use
Psychological factors and certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, obesity, stress, anxiety, guilt and fear of poor sexual performance can also contribute to ED.
Diagnosis of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is diagnosed by evaluating a patient's medical and psychological history, performing a physical evaluation, and conducting a series of laboratory tests that may include:
- Blood tests
- Lipid profiles
- Urinalysis
- Thyroid function tests
- Testosterone measurements
- Penile Ultrasound
- A psychosocial evaluation may also be used to examine possible psychological factors
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction may be treated with:
- Medication
- Psychological therapy
- Vacuum devices
- Penile implants
Surgical implantation of an inflatable prosthesis is also an option. During this procedure, the surgeon implants a device that simulates erection by pumping fluid from a reservoir into inflatable tubes in the penis.
Prevention of Erectile Dysfunction
Not all cases of erectile dysfunction can be prevented, however, doctors may recommend the following lifestyle changes for precaution:
- Eat a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Stop use of tobacco products
- Cut back on alcohol use
- Reduce stress
- Individuals who are obese, may benefit from losing weight as a possible means of preventing erectile dysfunction.
Common questions about erectile dysfunction.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for a medical evaluation. A urologist can help determine which treatment options may be appropriate.
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction refers to the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection. It may happen at any age, but it becomes increasingly common as men get older. It should not simply be accepted as a natural part of aging because treatment options are available.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
ED may be caused by medical, physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Common contributors include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, physical injury, medication side effects, alcohol or drug use, tobacco use, obesity, stress, anxiety, guilt, and fear of poor sexual performance.
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a review of medical and psychological history, a physical evaluation, and laboratory testing. Blood tests, lipid profiles, urinalysis, thyroid testing, testosterone measurement, penile ultrasound, and psychosocial evaluation may be used.
What treatments are available for erectile dysfunction?
Treatment options may include medication, psychological therapy, vacuum devices, penile implants, and surgical implantation of an inflatable prosthesis. Treatment depends on the cause, overall health, and patient goals.
Can erectile dysfunction be prevented?
Not all cases can be prevented. However, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, stopping tobacco use, reducing alcohol intake, reducing stress, and losing weight when appropriate.
Where can I get ED treatment near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides erectile dysfunction diagnosis and treatment in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a private ED consultation in La Mesa.
If erectile dysfunction is affecting your confidence, relationship, or quality of life, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can help evaluate possible causes and discuss treatment options.