Erectile Dysfunction
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for erectile dysfunction. As a global leader in urology, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.
Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.
At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies. We developed the world’s first inflatable penile prosthesis and we conducted the world’s first clinical trial of gene therapy for erectile dysfunction in humans.
When you need erectile dysfunction care, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.
Montefiore Einstein offers the following content from Healthwise’s health information library.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to sustain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, ED affects as many as 30 million men.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Many different factors affecting can cause or contribute to ED. Although you are more likely to develop ED as you age, aging does not cause ED.
Disease & Conditions
The following diseases and conditions can lead to ED:
- Atherosclerosis
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart and blood vessel disease
- High blood pressure
- Injury from treatments for prostate cancer
- Injury to the penis, spinal cord, prostate, bladder or pelvis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Peyronie’s disease
- Surgery for bladder cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
Medications
ED can be a side effect of many common medicines, such as:
- Antiandrogens
- Antidepressants
- Appetite suppressants
- Blood pressure medicines
- Tranquilizers or prescription sedatives
- Ulcer medicines
Psychological or Emotional Issues
Psychological or emotional factors may make ED worse. You may develop ED if you have one or more of the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fear of sexual failure
- Guilt about sexual performance or certain sexual activities
- Low self-esteem
- Stress about sexual performance, or stress in your life in general
Lifestyle Behaviors
The following lifestyle behaviors may contribute to ED:
- Being overweight
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Not being physically active
- Smoking
- Using illegal drugs
Signs & Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction (ED) include:
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
- Dissatisfaction with the size or hardness of an erection
- Erections that are not firm enough for intercourse
- Premature or delayed ejaculation
- Psychological distress
- Reduced sexual desire
Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is typically diagnosed with a complete physical exam, mental health evaluation and review of the patient’s sexual history to identify the underlying causes of the specific ED condition.
Additional screening and diagnostic tests include:
- Imaging test
- Injection test
- Lab tests and bloodwork
- Nocturnal erection test
Treating Erectile Dysfunction
There are many advanced treatments for ED based on the cause of your condition. These treatments include:
- Lifestyle changes: cutting back on alcohol, quitting smoking, losing weight and increasing physical activity
- Reviewing your medications: reducing the dosage of or changing medications that may be linked to ED
- Psychotherapy: helps decrease the stress and anxiety that may be linked to sexual intercourse
- Prescription medication: medications available to treat ED, including those injected into the penis or placed in the urethra.
- Testosterone therapy: may improve energy and mood and increase sexual desire in older males who have low testosterone
- Vacuum erectile devices (VEDs): used to help men get or maintain an erection. A tube is placed over the penis and a pump is used to draw blood into the penis, while an elastic band is placed at the base to maintain erection during intercourse
- Penile implants: surgically embedded if other treatments aren’t effective