Erectile Dysfunction

An estimated 52% of American men experience erectile dysfunction in their lifetime, especially as they get older. Bellingham Urology Group offers several nonsurgical solutions to improve the quality of your erections. The skilled urologists customize a care plan using lifestyle changes, medications, and penile injections. They also offer penile implant surgery if other strategies aren’t successful. Call the Bellingham or Mount Vernon, Washington, office to schedule an erectile dysfunction consultation or book an appointment online today.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) describes difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection that’s firm enough for sex. ED can develop for many reasons, including:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Sleep disorders
• High blood pressure
• Drug and alcohol use
• Psychological issues (depression, anxiety)

While most men experience ED issues on occasion, ongoing erectile dysfunction symptoms can become problematic and affect your intimate relationships and your self-esteem.

Bellingham Urology Group offers comprehensive health services for men with erectile dysfunction, including in-office diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment plans.

How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?

To identify what’s causing your erectile dysfunction symptoms, the Bellingham Urology Group providers spend time reviewing your personal and family medical histories. The physicians also complete a physical exam.

You may need blood tests, urine tests, or other lab work to identify underlying health issues like diabetes that can affect your ability to get an erection. The providers may also screen for depression and other psychological issues that interfere with your sexual health.

Based on the results of your exam and tests, the providers create a treatment plan to address the underlying cause of your ED symptoms and improve the quality of your erections.

How is erectile dysfunction treated?

Initially, your treatment plan for erectile dysfunction may focus on lifestyle changes you can make right away to improve your erections. These changes may include losing weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress more efficiently.

When these strategies aren’t enough, the Bellingham Urology Group physicians may recommend:

Prescription medications

Medications like Viagra®, Levitra®, and Cialis® are available to improve blood flow to your penis to enhance the quality of your erections. You take ED medications a few hours before sexual activity to achieve a healthy, lasting erection.

Intraurethral suppositories

Intraurethral suppositories are about the size of a grain of rice and fit inside your urethra. The suppository dissolves and increases blood flow to your penis to improve erections.

Penile injections

Penile injections deliver strong medications directly into your penis via a small, painless injection. This treatment is for men with nerve damage from injuries or surgery that interferes with erections.

Penile implants

Penile implants use an inflatable cylinder to replace damaged portions of your penis. The cylinders connect to a pump system that sits in your scrotum. Activating the pump before sexual activity fills the cylinders so you can achieve a firm erection.

Call the Bellingham Urology Group office near you to schedule an evaluation for symptoms of erectile dysfunction, or book an appointment online today.