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      Erectile Dysfunction Symptoms and Treatments

      Erectile dysfunction can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable topic for patients to discuss. At The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, we understand that ED is much more than just a physical condition. The psychological and emotional aspects of erectile dysfunction can also be distressing. Although it may feel uncomfortable to take that first step and contact an erectile dysfunction specialist near you, there are many treatments available to restore erectile function, allowing patients to resume sexual activity.

      What is Erectile Dysfunction?

      Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is a common male sexual dysfunction defined as an inability to achieve or sustain an erection. If you are affected by ED, know that you are not alone. It is estimated that one in every ten men will suffer from long-term ED at some point during his lifetime.

      When conservative treatments, such as pills and injections, don’t work for you, IFAR may be able to restore erectile function by performing a minimally invasive nerve transfer procedure.

      Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

      Those with erectile dysfunction experience persistent symptoms, which can include:

      • Inability to achieve an erection
      • Inability to maintain an erection
      • Getting an erection sometimes, but not every time you want to have intercourse
      • Loss of erection before sexual intercourse is completed
      • Reduced sexual desire and drive
      • Anxiety about sexual intercourse

      The doctor will discuss your symptoms with you, as well as perform a physical examination. Advanced diagnostic procedures can include an erectile dysfunction nerve test known as the Bulbocavernosus reflex, a duplex ultrasound, urinalysis, and more.

      Causes and Risk Factors

      Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles, and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these. There are various causes that can put men at risk for developing erectile dysfunction.

      Diseases and Conditions That Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction

      ED is often a symptom of another underlying physical or mental condition. These can include:
      • Heart Disease
      • High Cholesterol
      • Clogged Blood Vessels (atherosclerosis)
      • Obesity
      • Diabetes
      • Emotional Disorders (Stress, Anxiety, Depression)
      • Chronic Kidney Disease
      • Multiple Sclerosis

      Medications That Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction

      Certain prescription medications list erectile dysfunction as a potential side effect. These include:

      • Blood Pressure Medications
      • Antidepressants
      • Tranquilizers or Sedatives
      • Antiandrogens (Treatment for Prostate Cancer)

      Lifestyle or Outside Factors That Can Cause Erectile Dysfunction

      Some lifestyle choices or life experiences can make males more likely to experience erectile dysfunction. These can include:

      • Trauma
      • Alcoholism or Substance Abuse
      • Surgeries in the Pelvic Region
      • Smoking
      • Using Illegal Drugs

      Nerve Transfer for Erectile Dysfunction

      Our advanced surgical treatment addresses erectile dysfunction caused by nerve damage or interruption. We may be able to treat erectile dysfunction resulting from a prostatectomy, prostate radiation, pelvic surgery, pelvic trauma, or diabetes. In addition, we may be able to treat idiopathic erectile dysfunction (unknown cause).

      At The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, we perform a genitofemoral to cavernous nerve transfer to restore erectile function. A “nerve transfer” is a standard surgical technique that utilizes a healthy, functioning nerve, connecting it to an unhealthy, injured nerve to restore its function.

      This minimally invasive procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Patients are often able to return to work within one week. Full recovery from this surgery usually takes around six weeks.

      Following the procedure, nerve regeneration is expected to occur in less than a year before the desired erection is possible, but each case is unique. The standard of treatment for ED often focuses on short-term solutions; however, our surgical option offers a long-term solution to ED.

      Our ED Specialists

      At The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction, our doctors are highly trained to provide specialized care for erectile dysfunction, including nerve transfer surgery to restore functionality.
      Eric Wimmers
      Physician

      Eric Wimmers

      MD, FACS
      Read More

      Patient Stories

      You don’t have to live with erectile dysfunction. Explore our patient stories to discover how our erectile dysfunction specialists have helped patients just like you resume sexual activity with nerve transfer surgery.

      View All

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      Patient Resources

      Learn more about what to expect when it comes to surgical procedures and treatments at the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction by visiting our patient resource page. 

      Resources

      Am I a Candidate for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

      You may be a candidate for nerve transfer surgery to address erectile dysfunction if you:
      • Are over 18 years old and otherwise healthy
      • Have a history of spontaneous erectile function before prostatectomy, prostate radiation, pelvic surgery, trauma, or diabetes
      • Experienced a loss of erectile function after prostatectomy, prostate radiation, pelvic surgery, trauma, or being diagnosed with diabetes
      • Are within 18 months of the onset of Erectile Dysfunction symptoms
      • Are willing and capable of proceeding with surgery and adhering to follow-up instructions
      • Are free from tobacco use, alcoholism, and other forms of substance abuse
      Request an Appointment

      Additional Common FAQs

      Can Organic ED be reversed?
      How do I know if I’ve got erectile dysfunction?
      How does erectile dysfunction begin?
      Can you heal erectile dysfunction?
      Who's at risk for erectile dysfunction?
      Can I prevent erectile dysfunction?
      What can I do if my husband has erectile dysfunction?
      How do I check myself for erectile dysfunction?
      Does prostate cancer cause ED?
      What is the average age for erectile dysfunction?

      Additional Common FAQs

      Can Organic ED be reversed?

      Can Organic ED be reversed?

      In some cases, organic ED can be reversed through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and reducing stress. Medications like Viagra can also help reverse ED symptoms.

      How do I know if I’ve got erectile dysfunction?

      How do I know if I’ve got erectile dysfunction?

      Those with erectile dysfunction will have symptoms of ED, which may include difficulty getting or maintaining an erection during sexual activity. Seeking medical advice can help diagnose ED.

      How does erectile dysfunction begin?

      How does erectile dysfunction begin?

      ED often begins with decreased blood flow to the penis. Contributing factors include diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, depression, nerve damage, and certain medications.

      Can you heal erectile dysfunction?

      Can you heal erectile dysfunction?

      Treatments like medications, devices, lifestyle changes, and surgery can help manage ED, and many men find significant improvement in functioning as a result.

      Who's at risk for erectile dysfunction?

      Who's at risk for erectile dysfunction?

      Your risk for erectile dysfunction increases with age, obesity, smoking, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sedentary lifestyle, depression, and some medications.

      Can I prevent erectile dysfunction?

      Can I prevent erectile dysfunction?

      Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, reducing alcohol intake, and managing chronic conditions may help prevent erectile dysfunction.

      What can I do if my husband has erectile dysfunction?

      What can I do if my husband has erectile dysfunction?

      Being patient, communicating openly, exploring medical options, investing in foreplay, and trying alternatives to intercourse can help partners cope with ED.

      How do I check myself for erectile dysfunction?

      How do I check myself for erectile dysfunction?

      Physical exam, review of symptoms, blood tests, and other diagnostic tests by a doctor can check for erectile dysfunction. At home, the inability to get an erection during arousal may indicate ED.

      Does prostate cancer cause ED?

      Does prostate cancer cause ED?

      While prostate cancer doesn’t directly cause ED, certain treatments for prostate cancer can lead to erectile dysfunction. Nerve damage during prostate removal can occur, and some prostate cancer medications have ED as a common side effect.

      What is the average age for erectile dysfunction?

      What is the average age for erectile dysfunction?

      Erectile dysfunction most commonly occurs in men over 50, with 1 in 4 men experiencing symptoms of ED from ages 50 to 59, and 2 in 5 men reporting symptoms beginning from ages 60 to 69.

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