1. I'm embarrassed to discuss sexual function because it may just be a psychological problem.
The vast majority of erectile dysfunction in males is due to a combination of medical and physiological problems, all of which can be effectively treated.
2. I've tried Viagra and it has not worked. So what can a doctor do for me?
Even if Viagra and the newer PDE-5 inhibitors, Levitra and Cialis are not effective, we still have a variety of very good treatment options for most patients.
3. My wife and I believe we are too old to enjoy a good sexual relationship.
Many couples stop having a fulfilling sexual relationship because of a medical condition, which can now be effectively treated. If both partners are interested in resuming a satisfying sexual relationship, in most cases it can be achieved.
4. I would never be able to inject medication into my penis — it sounds very painful.
Most men find the injection with a very fine needle into the side of the penis causes minimal discomfort and results in an excellent erection.
5. Is my erectile dysfunction from low testosterone?
Although low testosterone can lead to ED, and we check for this prior to therapy, testosterone deficiency is not a common cause of ED. Most ED is caused by reduced circulation to the penis, and can be treated successfully.
6. How do you decide what treatment is best for me?
We first listen to you and obtain a detailed history of your problem and concerns. Then after examination and appropriate testing, we will work with you to decide which option or options are best in your specific situation. The same treatment is not right for every individual, even though the underlying cause of the problem may be the same or similar.
7. Are all treatments expensive?
The costs vary from one type of treatment to another. This is one of the factors that will be taken into account when deciding on the best treatment option for you.
8. What other sexual health resources are available for me?
Here are some helpful patient resources:
9. The TV ads talk about a four-hour erection that can be dangerous, possibly leading to emergency treatment. What treatment are they talking about, and how common is this problem?
On rare occasions, estimated to be one out of 100,000 patients using Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, and up to 5 percent of men using injection therapy, a painful prolonged erection may occur. This is usually treated with the injection of a medication to cause the erection to resolve, and most of the time there is no long-term damage to the penis.
10. How do you help patients with poor sex drive or libido?
Problems of sexual desire in men, women and couples are complex and may be due to deficient, excessive or incompatible sexual desire. The three major contributors to fluctuating sexual desire are: biology (including hormones), psychology and socialization.
11. I'm not even close to menopause, but I have a low sex drive. Can you help me?
Over 1 million American women enter menopause annually. Those who are not already heading into menopause may begin to notice changes that will affect their sexual lives during the decade preceding their last menstrual period. These perimenopausal sexual changes can often be reversed with hormone therapy.
12. I've had pain with sex ever since my baby was born. Is this common, and is there help for me?
Genital pain before, during or after sexual intercourse is a common complaint. Treatments ranging from the use of medications for symptomatic relief to surgical interventions are available for improving comfort during sexual activity. The right treatment for you will be determined after an evaluation.
13. My antidepressant medication is really helping my depression, and I don't feel like I can just stop taking the medication. My doctor and I have tried lots of medications, and they all seem to make it difficult or impossible to achieve orgasm. Can you help me without stopping the antidepressant?
Taking antidepressant medications can often affect sexual function. If you are having difficulty reaching orgasm as a result of taking antidepressant medications, several remedies might be attempted including lowering the dose of the medication, trying to skip the medication on the days when you anticipate having sex or adding medication to enhance sexual function.