Men’s health and erectile dysfunction exams

Erectile dysfunction (ED) due to aging is more common than most men think. Forty percent of men will begin to notice a problem by age 40, although for some, issues start at a younger age. The most common cause of ED is aging itself, which causes the muscle cells that line the blood vessels in the penis to become less able to stretch, preventing the blood needed to form an erection from flowing properly

How it all works together

While ED can simply be a result of aging, it can also be an indicator of other chronic diseases a man may have, whether or not he knows he has them. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can narrow the blood vessels even more, and even damage them. For this reason, a discussion with your doctor is important if you are experiencing ED.

What to expect during your visit

There are numerous solutions to addressing ED. During your visit, your doctor will review your overall medical history, including medications you are currently taking. A physical exam of the penis is typically not required. After reviewing your medications and overall health, your physician may prescribe an oral medication to treat the symptoms of ED. Other treatment options may also be discussed with your doctor.