ED Specialist

Apex Medical Professionals

Internists & Aesthetic Specialists located in Fair Lawn, NJ

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than you may realize, as it’s estimated to affect 30 million men in the United States. Although it’s not easy for most men to talk about ED, you can rely on Walid Elkhalili, MD, and the team at Apex Medical Professionals to determine the underlying cause of your ED and prescribe treatment that helps you regain a satisfying sex life. To learn more about ED or to schedule an appointment, call the office in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, or use the online booking feature.

ED Q & A

What causes erectile dysfunction (ED)?

ED occurs when you can’t get or maintain an erection. Lifestyle issues such as smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol can cause ED. You may also experience ED when you’re under stress or feel anxious or depressed.

However, these issues aren’t the primary cause of ED. It’s most often caused by a vascular disease such as clogged arteries that affects blood flow to the penis. Underlying health conditions that often cause ED include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Thyroid problems
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Peyronie’s disease
  • Neurologic disorders (Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis)

Many different medications can also affect your sexual function. A few examples include medications to treat blood pressure, antidepressant medications, glaucoma eye drops, and antihistamines.

Can hormone problems like low testosterone cause ED?

Several hormone problems can cause ED, including increased prolactin (a hormone made by the pituitary gland), steroid abuse, and thyroid problems that cause too much or too little thyroid hormone.

Low testosterone can definitely affect your desire to have sex and may be a contributing factor to ED, but it’s rarely the primary cause.

How is ED treated?

Since the first step is identifying and treating any underlying health conditions that are responsible for your ED, the team at Apex Medical Professionals reviews your medical history, evaluates your symptoms, and performs a thorough physical exam.

In some cases, dealing with lifestyle issues such as depression, smoking, or being overweight may be enough to restore sexual function. Otherwise, your doctor at Apex Medical Professionals may prescribe one of the medications available to treat ED.

The primary oral medications used for ED work by increasing blood flow to produce an erection. They don’t automatically cause an erection; rather, they boost a chemical that your body naturally produces in response to sexual stimulation.

Penile implants are another option if you can’t take ED medications. There are two types of implants. One operates by inflating the implant with a saline solution, while the other is a semi-rigid rod that can be manipulated into erect and non-erect positions.

If you experience ED, you can count on the expert care available at Apex Medical Professionals — call or book an appointment online.