Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Diagnosis and Treatment in New Jersey
If you suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED), you are not alone. More than 30 million men in the U.S. have erectile dysfunction – the inability to achieve or maintain an erection necessary for sexual intercourse,
The urologists at Hackensack Meridian Health understand that ED can be frustrating and embarrassing to discuss—even with your doctor. We take the time to find the cause of your condition and provide you with effective treatment. Even men who have not succeeded with medication or other approaches in the past turn to us for successful ED treatment.
Accurate Diagnosis of ED
Erectile dysfunction can affect men of any age. It is often caused by poor blood supply to the penis due to factors, including:
- Medical condition, such as diabetes or heart problems
- Medications, such as antidepressants or antihypertensives
- Excessive drug, alcohol or tobacco use
- Peyronie’s disease
- Emotional or psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression
To determine the precise cause of your erectile dysfunction, your Hackensack Meridian urologist will use the latest tools and techniques including:
- Physical exam
- Health history to identify or rule out medical conditions
- Blood or urine analysis to identify or rule out medical conditions
- Penile Doppler ultrasound, which uses ultrasound technology to identify blood flow problems in the arteries and veins inside your penis
Treatment Options for ED
As experts in the field of erectile dysfunction, your Hackensack Meridian urologist offers personalized treatment to help you regain function and achieve an intimate relationship with your partner. We specialize in the latest therapies and devices, and work with you to find which treatment best meets your lifestyle needs.Medical Treatment for ED
- Addressing an Underlying Health Problem: We partner with other specialists to treat underlying health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure which may be causing your ED.
- Oral Medication: Several medications are available to effectively and safely treat ED. We may suggest a different medication if previous medication has been unsuccessful.
- Intra-Urethral Medication: This involves placing a tiny pellet of medication within the urethra inside your penis to increase blood flow and induce an erection.
- Injection Therapy: An injectable form of medicine is used to increase blood flow to the penis.
Devices and Penile Implants
- Vacuum Device: If medication is not successful, a vacuum device is a popular and effective alternative. A cylinder tube is placed around the penis and a pump acts as a vacuum to draw blood to the penis and create an erection. A constrictive band around the base of the penis maintains the erection for up to 30 minutes.
- Penile Implant: Our urologists specialize in minimally invasive surgery to insert a penile implant. The implant is inflated with fluid to create a hardened penis and then deflated after sexual activity.
Experts in ED and Sexual Medicine
Hackensack Meridian Health offers urologists board certified and fellowship trained in sexual medicine. As experts in the field of ED, we can even help men who have not succeeded with prescription medications. Search our network of ED specialists or find an ED treatment location close to home and make an appointment today.
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health for Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Compassionate Care
The urologists at Hackensack Meridian Health understand that men have unique needs when it comes to urological care. Our urologists provide expert, compassionate care for common issues to the most complex problem.
Innovation
You have access to state-of-the-art diagnostics and the latest, safest erectile dysfunction treatments.
Recent Innovations in Urology
Read about breakthroughs in sexual health and urology happening at Hackensack Meridian Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
ED can be caused by a wide range of physical and psychological factors, and it's often a combination of both.
- Physical Causes: These are the most common and include conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, low testosterone, and nerve damage from prostate surgery or other conditions.
- Psychological Causes: Mental health can play a significant role. Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems can all contribute to or worsen ED.
Diagnosing ED at Hackensack Meridian Health begins with a confidential and thorough consultation with a urologist. The process typically includes:
- A detailed review of your medical and sexual history.
- A physical examination.
- Blood tests to check for underlying conditions such as low testosterone, diabetes, or heart disease risk factors. This comprehensive evaluation helps your doctor understand the root cause of your ED in order to recommend the most effective treatment.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Improving diet, increasing exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.
- Oral Medications: FDA-approved pills like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra (PDE5 inhibitors) that increase blood flow to the penis.
- Penile Injections (Intracavernosal Injections): A highly effective method where a man self-injects medication directly into the penis to create an erection.
- Vacuum Erection Devices: A non-invasive external pump that draws blood into the penis to create an erection.
- Penile Implants: A permanent, surgical solution where a device is placed inside the penis, allowing a man to have an erection whenever he chooses. This is typically for men who have not had success with other treatments.
