Erectile Dysfunction FAQs

Answers from Board-Certified Urologists

The expertly trained urologists at Louisiana Healthcare Associates have provided this list of frequently asked questions to help patients better understand ED symptoms and treatment options. If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of ED or have more questions, call our urology clinic in Covington, LA at (985) 892-6811 to schedule an appointment with our highly experienced urologists.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile dysfunction, or male impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection to have successful intercourse.

What are Symptoms of ED?

Generally all symptoms of erectile dysfunction will contribute to an inability to develop or sustain an erection. A lowered libido can also be a common sign of ED.

If you experience erectile dysfunction in rare instances, and you have no other related health conditions, you should be able to manage your ED without much trouble. Such situations are completely normal, and should not warrant a significant amount of worry.

However, if you begin to become concerned about erectile dysfunction and how much it is impacting your daily life, we encourage you to see a specialist.

What Causes ED?

Several factors can cause erectile dysfunction including age, weight management issues, medications, or current medical conditions that you may be dealing with.

ED normally stems from two separate categories of physical and mental health issues.

Most often, erectile dysfunction is the result of a physical problem. These can include a variety of different situations, but they typically relate to:

• Not having enough blood flow to the penis – Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hardened arteries can all restrict the functions of an individual’s circulatory system, which can prevent proper amounts of blood flow to certain areas of the body. It may also be difficult for an individual to keep blood in the penis long enough to sustain an erection.
• Problems with the nerve endings – Damage to the pelvic region can often lead to damage of the nerves. Injury, cancer treatments, or even a disrupted signal from the brain can all cause these nerves to malfunction and diminish a person’s senses.
• Side effects of medication – There is always a risk to taking a medication, but some risks can impact sexual function both temporarily and long-term. Make sure to discuss all possible side effects to a new medication with your healthcare provider.

Other cases of erectile dysfunction may be caused by emotional or psychological issues, such as:

• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship problems
• Worry about poor sexual performance

What Are Treatment Options for ED?

There are a number of treatment options available including medications, injections, and procedures. Dr. Sleeper and Dr. Purohit specializes in COREWAVE therapy to help with ED.

• COREWAVE therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Lifestyle changes
• Drug therapy
• Penile pumps
• Injections
• Penile implants

Are These Treatment Options the Same for All Men?

Almost all men that suffer from ED are eligible for all of these types of treatment. However, if you suffer from a cardiac disease or have a family history of heart disease, we strongly recommend consulting with your doctor before taking any medication or having any procedures.

What Issues Can I Expect After the Procedure?

You could experience soreness in the affected region for a few days after the procedure. The recovery time can last approximately one month.

Who Can I Contact With General Questions About the Procedures?

You will be provided with a procedure coordinator who will provide you with information about scheduling, insurance, and notes for preparation and recovery, including a list of any products you may want to purchase before the procedure.