Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to obtain and/or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction can occur at any age, though it's most common in men over 40. Between 9% and 40% of men have erectile dysfunction by age 40, increasing by 10% each decade. While erectile dysfunction can be devastating, it is often treatable with lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies.

Symptoms & Causes of Erectile Dysfunction

The symptoms of erectile dysfunction are:

Trouble getting an erection
Trouble keeping an erection for a long enough period
Reduced sex drive

The causes of erectile dysfunction are:

Poor blood flow to the penis / Clogged blood vessels
Being over age 50
Having high blood sugar (Diabetes)
Having high blood pressure (hypertension)
Having cardiovascular disease
Having high cholesterol
Smoking
Using drugs or drinking too much alcohol
Being obese
Lacking exercise
Conditions of the nervous system
Changes or disease-causing changes in hormone levels
Physical structure problems in the penis
Psychological and emotional well-being
Intra-pelvic pain syndromes like Chronic Pelvic pain
Side effects of drugs and medication interactions
Other specific medical conditions and injuries

Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction

Our physiotherapists at Fizo Kare Physiotherapy Centre will first conduct a physical examination and determine whether shock wave therapy is an appropriate treatment for your condition. This treatment uses a handheld device to deliver low-frequency acoustic shockwaves to the base and shaft of the penis. The shockwaves break down any restrictions in the tissue, stimulate new blood vessels to grow in the area, and improve blood flow and quality of erections. This treatment is a very successful and non-invasive therapy. We will also give you other recommendations, such as an exercise program and discuss what results you can expect.

Erectile dysfunction is a complex condition that depends on lifestyle factors and underlying health issues. Addressing these issues may help improve erectile dysfunction and maintain the effect of treatment. However, improvements made during treatment can, over time, be reversed if the underlying problems aren't addressed.