Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is when men struggle to achieve and maintain an erection. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, then you find it difficult to get an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It’s completely normal to have erectile dysfunction on occasion. But if the problem persists, then it needs addressing. Besides making it difficult to have sex, it may be affecting your self-esteem and relationships.
What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?
The cause of erectile dysfunction can vary, but it often includes physical causes:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- An overactive or underactive thyroid gland
- Certain medication
- Tiredness or sleep disorders
- Alcohol or drug use
or mental causes:
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Relationship problems or entering a new relationship
Who Experiences Erectile Dysfunction?
What Types of Men?
In the U.S., 5% of 40-year-old men suffer from complete erectile dysfunction. At age 70, this number increases to 15%. Mild or moderate erectile dysfunction affects around 10% of men per decade of age—50% of 50-year-olds, 60% of 60-year-olds, and so on.
Do Partners Experience the Effects?
Erectile dysfunction also affects the partners of men who suffer from it. It can lead to sexual dissatisfaction in a relationship and get in the way of intimacy. It may make some partners feel insecure if they believe they are no longer attractive. Men who struggle with erectile dysfunction, and therefore sexual performance, often feel shame and anger. This can lead them to blame their partners for the situation. This may lead to the other half of the relationship feeling guilt and low self-esteem.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
One form of non-surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy therapy. This involves targeting the penis with acoustical sound waves, helping to repair damaged blood vessels. This erectile dysfunction treatment may also create new blood vessels. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy therapy increases blood flow, sensation, and sexual performance. LEARN MORE about how Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy can help you here.
Priapus Shot®
When you choose the Priapus Shot (or P-Shot®), one of our board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeons will take blood from your own body, typically your arm, and inject it into your penis. The amount that’s needed is usually very minimal. Using your own body’s growth factors can help improve blood flow and nerve sensation to the penis, which in turn improves the symptoms of ED, improves your satisfaction with sex, and decreases the need for medications that assist with erections and sexual performance.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical options are available from DFW Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery if you wish to improve the length and girth of your penis.
Fat Grafting
Fat grafting is the most common penis augmentation procedure. Performed under local anesthesia, this minimally invasive procedure involves removing excess fat from one part of your body (via liposuction) and transferring it to the periphery of your penis to make it larger.
Dermal Grafting
Penis skin loss can occur after trauma, infection, or surgery. Dermal grafting aims to correct this by reconstructing your penile skin to achieve a more natural look. Your doctor will transplant a healthy piece of your own skin from another area of your body to the affected area of your penis.
Ligament Release
During ligament release surgery, your doctor cuts a ligament inside the pubis that affects the angle of your penis. By releasing the ligament, the penis can drop at a different angle and appear longer.
Visiting DFW Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery: Consultation
If you feel any of these options—surgical or non-surgical—could be right for you, schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic surgeons. This is a face-to-face evaluation, where you:
- Can discuss your expectations and goals
- Ask any questions you have
- Receive a physical examination to evaluate you for the procedure you’re considering
Your doctor will take all the time you need to discuss the procedure in detail with you and make any recommendations.
Poor sexual performance or issues related to penis size can have negative results on your self-esteem. Your doctor will help find the ideal procedure for you and provide you with long-lasting results that give a much-needed boost to your sex life, your confidence, and your body image.
