Erectile dysfunction (ED) — and sexual dysfunction in general — is a common but undertreated problem. Despite the prevalence of ED, it’s believed that about 75% of diagnosed ED cases go untreated.
While it may be an uncomfortable discussion, speaking with a doctor can help you discover treatments to deal with your ED. At Regenerative Health & Wellness Medical Center in Holly, Colorado, we take your concerns seriously and can help you cope with ED and regain your confidence.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
An erection occurs from physical or psychogenic stimuli. Physical stimuli require properly working peripheral nerves and the spinal cord while psychogenic (erotic or emotional) stimuli rely on the brain’s limbic system. Injury or disease that affects any of these mechanisms can lead to ED.
Common causes of ED include:
- Alcoholism
- Cardiovascular disease
- Certain prescription medications
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Multiple sclerosis
- Obesity
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peyronie’s disease
- Prostate disease (and treatments)
- Sleep disorders
- Smoking
- Substance abuse
- Surgeries or injuries that affect the pelvic area or spinal cord
Age is the most strongly associated factor when it comes to erectile dysfunction because ED is often a symptom of age-related conditions. These include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and prostate disease, as well as the increasing use of prescribed medications. Studies show that ED affects 40% of men at age 40 and nearly 70% of men by age 70.
Lifestyle decisions can cause these illnesses to manifest in younger men. For example, a sedentary lifestyle (no matter what age) can lead to cardiovascular disease, which can cause arterial issues that impair blood supply. Type 2 diabetes from a poor diet can cause nerve and blood vessel damage.
Treatment for erectile dysfunction
If you’re suffering from ED, set up a time to talk with the regenerative medicine team at Regenerative Health & Wellness Medical Center. There have been major advances in the treatment of ED, and one of our doctors can help you navigate treatment plans.
For example, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is gaining momentum as a treatment for ED. Platelets are produced by your body and aid in collagen production and tissue repair. PRP therapy is a process in which some of your platelets are harvested from your body and reinjected in high concentration at the affected site to naturally promote healing.
At Regenerative Health & Wellness Medical Center, we offer PRP therapy to help rejuvenate your sex life. If our doctors determine that PRP therapy is a good option for you, we take a sample of your blood at your next visit. Your blood is spun in a centrifuge, which isolates and collects your platelets. The platelets are then injected into your penis.
The potential advantages include:
- Improved blood circulation
- Improved sensation
- Natural healing that uses your own body’s repair mechanisms
If you’d like to see if PRP therapy can help solve your erectile dysfunction, call us today to book an appointment.