34
Medical Professionals
Are You Suffering From Erectile Dysfunction?
T
oday’s couples don’t want to give up physical intimacy as they grow older. A recent study indicates that sexual desire and activity are widespread among older men and women worldwide, and persists into old age. But what about men suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED)? While ED becomes more common as men age, growing old is not the cause of the problem. ED can be an early sign of a more serious health problem. Finding and treating the cause(s) of your ED can improve your overall health and well-being. ED can result from health or emotional problems, or from both combined. Reduced blood flow or harm to nerves in the penis can result in erection problems. These can be caused by heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, surgery, injuries and even smoking. Some medicine, as well as alcohol or other drugs may also cause erection problems. Emotional (depression, stress or worry) or relationship problems can cause or worsen ED. ED can have serious effects on intimacy, self-esteem and quality of life. The good news is that it is treatable, and today nearly every man with the condition can be helped.
To improve erection problems, we often may need to treat the root causes. We may ask you to change certain habits, such as stopping smoking, drug or alcohol use. Treating emotional problems, such as relationship conflicts, depression or performance anxiety can also help. Cutting back on or changing certain meds can often improve ED as well. Remember, you should not stop taking any medicine or change any meds without talking to a health care provider first. If a blood test shows low testosterone levels (low T), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may help. However, if a blood test shows you have normal testosterone levels, adding TRT will not help your erection problems Dietary supplements (often called “herbal remedies”) for ED are popular but may not be safe or even work. Unlike prescription drugs, they do not have to be proven to work. Drugs like Viagra® and Cialis® offer a solution for many men. However, studies show that about 30% of those seeking treatment find medications don’t work for them. Others find second-line treatments like a vacuum pump or penile injection therapy to be cumbersome and intrusive. A more permanent – and often more satisfying – solution is a penile implant.
Parvez Mahmood, MD, FACS
Mukaram Gazi, MD, FACS
Alexander Gotesman, MD
Michael Nazmy Jr., MD
HOWELL 2364 Route 9 South Howell, NJ 07731 HAMILTON 1374 Whitehorse Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton, NJ 08690 TOMS RIVER 20 Hospital Drive Toms River, NJ 08755
609-581-5900 www.UUANJ.com
This is a medical device surgically implanted by a urologist to treat ED. There are several types of implants available, but Dr. Gazi implants the advanced three-piece inflatable device most often. The penile implant offers a permanent, long-term solution to ED, providing the ability to have an erection any time. It allows for greater spontaneity and does not interfere with ejaculation or orgasm. Penile implants are often covered by Medicare or insurance when ED is due to organic causes. The good news for many men is that ED can be treated safely, and treatments can work well. If you have ED, there is hope. There is help. Talk to your health care provider to see if one of these treatment choices will work for you.
Make an appointment with us to discuss which treatment is right for you. Visit www.UUANJ.com
University Urology Associates of New Jersey was established in 2003 and it proud to be serving Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. Our mission is to be a solutions-based practice, maximizing the value of the service we deliver our patients with commitment to excellence, integrity, and treatment.
The County Woman Magazine www.TheCountyWoman.com
March/April 2016