• Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction

    Erectile dysfunction, or ED, can be upsetting to experience. It is also extremely common, so if it happens to you, you’re not alone. When you experience ED, see a urologist as soon as possible to discuss how to improve your sexual health and overcome your symptoms. During your appointment, asking questions will help you better understand your condition and how you can find a treatment that works. Consider asking these questions when you see your urologist. 

    Why do I have ED? 

    This is the first question that most men want to ask, but the answer isn’t simple. There is a huge range of things that can cause ED, and sometimes, men have more than one contributing cause. Everything from high blood pressure and diabetes to stress and depression can trigger ED, but your urologist will work closely with you to determine what is most likely to blame for the symptoms that you’re experiencing. Pinpointing a cause is the first step in ED treatment.  

    Is my age to blame for my ED? 

    Getting older does increase the risk for ED, but aging doesn’t make ED inevitable. Often, older men simply accept ED as something that they have to deal with because of their age, but this is not the case. There are ED treatments available for men of all ages, so see a urologist for care regardless of how old you are.  

    How is ED treated? 

    In some cases, treating underlying conditions that are contributing to ED is all that is necessary. For example, getting blood pressure or diabetes under control can make a big difference. In other cases, medications, sex therapy, and even surgery can all help men who are dealing with ED.  

    The Men’s Health Clinic at Urology Associates, P.C. helps men with ED and low testosterone return to feeling their best with medically supervised hormone therapy. Our urologists understand how stressful ED can be and are committed to helping patients get the care they need in a private, supportive environment. For treatment for ED in Nashville, call (855) 901-1338.  

     

     

  • Erectile Dysfunction: One More Reason to Quit Smoking

    Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, and has many potential causes and contributing factors. Some men discover that their ED is due to physical health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Others have underlying psychological issues, or a combination of mental health and physical health problems. Addiction is another possibility that urologists consider when evaluating a man for erectile dysfunction. Scientific research has linked tobacco use to problems achieving and sustaining an erection.

    How Smoking Affects Sexual Health

    A man’s sexual health depends on vascular health. When a man becomes sexually aroused, the nerves respond by telling the blood vessels in the penis to expand and fill with more blood. This causes an erection. However, smoking substantially damages the blood vessels, which affects their ability to respond to sexual arousal. Impotence is the result. Men who smoke, especially those who are heavy smokers, are more likely to suffer from ED. However, they can reverse the effects, and achieve faster, firmer erections by kicking the habit.

    How Smoking Affects Fertility

    It’s extremely hazardous to the health of a pregnant woman and her child when they live with a smoker. Even if a man only smokes outdoors, the smoke can drift inside the home, and the residue clings to clothing, fingers, and household surfaces. Even if this weren’t enough motivation to quit smoking, men should be aware that tobacco negatively affects fertility. It does this by damaging the DNA in sperm .

    How Men Can Finally Kick the Habit

    Most smokers who quit require multiple attempts before they achieve success, and the same smoking cessation method won’t necessarily work for everyone. A multi-pronged approach may work best. In addition to talking to a doctor about smoking cessation medications and nicotine replacement products, men might consider the following:

    • Support groups
    • Cognitive behavioral therapy
    • Biofeedback
    • Acupuncture
    • Distraction techniques for cravings
    • Hypnotherapy

    At Urology Associates, P.C., smoking cessation is commonly recommended for our patients who smoke. Our urology team in Tennessee provides compassionate and discreet medical services at our Men’s Health Clinic. Call us at (615) 250-9200.

  • Get the Facts About Erectile Dysfunction

    If you are suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED) then you should know that you’re not alone and that help is available. By visiting a urologist, you can find a solution to ED that works for you.

    Watch this video to learn more about erectile dysfunction. Note that ED is treatable and that it is not the same thing as impotence. Impotence is not a condition but rather an inability to act in any number of situations. ED is a specific medical condition that can be treated by a urologist.

    Why suffer in silence with erectile dysfunction when help is available throughout Middle Tennessee at Urology Associates, P.C. Make an appointment with one of our skilled and compassionate providers by calling (855) 901-1338.

  • When Blue Pills Fail

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  • Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction

    Erectile dysfunction can be a difficult issue for men to talk about, but in reality, it is an extremely common condition. Up to 5 percent of men over age 40 and 25 percent of men over age 65 experience this sexual health problem . The good news for men living with erectile dysfunction is that treatment is available as long as you consult with your doctor. Here are some tips for starting the conversation.

    List Your Symptoms

    Since erectile dysfunction can have many different causes, your doctor will pay close attention to the symptoms in order to make a diagnosis. Because it may be difficult to recall all of the important information your doctor needs, write down your symptoms before you go so you can report them accurately. Include details about times you experienced erectile dysfunction and your mood, eating and drinking habits, and overall health when incidences occur. It may help you to track your symptoms for a few weeks to identify any patterns.

    Bring a List of Medications

    Often, medications can be to blame for erectile dysfunction. Bring a list of all current medications and doses, including vitamins and over-the-counter medications, to your appointment. By reviewing this list, your urologist can determine if medications could be contributing to your symptoms and offer suggestions for alternative medicines that have a lower risk of side effects.

    Be Honest and Direct

    Try to dismiss any concerns you have about discussing erectile dysfunction with your doctor. Millions of men have the same conversation each year, and you won’t be the first to approach your doctor for help. Answer your doctor’s questions honestly and be direct about the questions you have. The more information you give your doctor, the better able he or she will be to provide effective treatment.

    If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction in Tennessee, schedule a consultation with a urologist at Urology Associates for treatment by calling (888) 329-7700. Our doctors provide help for a wide range of sexual dysfunction issues for both men and women with cutting-edge treatments and compassionate care.

  • Understanding Penile Rehabilitation After Cancer Treatment

    Typically, patients find that when they undergo cancer treatment, they must cope with lasting side effects. This is particularly true of men with prostate cancer who undergo a prostatectomy. A prostatectomy is a surgery to remove part or all of the prostate gland. Although this type of cancer treatment can be effective for extending a man’s longevity, it carries a high risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Fortunately, there are treatment options available for men with ED. A urologist can design a penile rehabilitation program for men who have undergone prostatectomies.

    Low Testosterone Treatment
    The urologist may recommend doing some lab tests to determine if the patient has low testosterone levels. If so, treating low T can be helpful in overcoming erectile dysfunction. There are many options for treating low testosterone, including topical gels, implantable pellets, and self-administered injections. These are known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) products.

    Understanding Penile Rehabilitation After Cancer Treatment Oral Medications
    For many men, oral medications are effective in preserving sexual health after a prostatectomy . Some oral medications include sildenafil, vardenafil, avanafil, and tadalafil. These medications work by boosting the effects of nitric oxide. This is a chemical that relaxes muscles to improve blood circulation, which enables men to get an erection when sexually aroused. Men should be careful to follow the dosage instructions carefully, since they can vary from drug to drug. Before taking any new medications, it’s advisable to consult the physician about the possible side effects.

    Intra-Urethral Suppositories
    Intra-urethral suppositories are another option to treat ED after a prostatectomy. This involves placing the medication directly into the opening that is located at the tip of the penis. The medication, alprostadil, triggers the expansion of the blood vessels. The increased blood flow helps men get and maintain an erection.

    At the Men’s Health Clinic at Urology Associates, P.C ., men will find a comprehensive range of healthcare services for sexual health in Nashville. Our urology team can design a penile rehabilitation program to help you cope with erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer. Contact our state-of-the-art clinic at (888) 329-7700 and let us know how we can help you.

  • Basic Facts About Erectile Dysfunction

    Although erectile dysfunction is a very serious condition, the perception of ED is made worse thanks to myths and misinformation floating around on the internet. The first thing to know about ED is that while it is common, it is not a normal part of aging and almost every case of ED is treatable. It is also important to know that erectile dysfunction is not caused solely by low libido. There are numerous risk factors that contribute to ED, many of which are manageable. These risk factors include:

    • Tobacco use
    • Drug and alcohol use
    • Being overweight
    • Psychological conditions (stress, anxiety, depression, etc.)
    • Certain medical treatments
    • Certain medical conditions
    • Injuries to the nerves or arteries that control erections

    The ED specialists here at Urology Associates P.C. in Tennessee will tailor treatment plans to address the specific issues that are interfering with your ability to achieve or maintain an erection. Our team of experienced urologists appreciate your need for compassion and discretion while you seek treatment for ED. For additional information, call us at (888) 329-7700.

  • Surgical Options for Erectile Dysfunction

    If you’re living with erectile dysfunction in Nashville, don’t suffer in silence. Treatment options are available from your urologist, including surgery. Watch this video to learn more about reclaiming your sexual health.

    When you have erectile dysfunction, or ED, your urologist will start with a complete medical workup to discover if there are any health issues contributing to your symptoms. If so, treating these problems may resolve your ED. If the cause can’t be pinpointed, your urologist may recommend a number of different medications to treat ED. If these conservative treatments don’t work, penile implant surgery can cure your ED.

    If you’re suffering from ED, make an appointment with a specialist at Urology Associates P.C. today. To schedule a consultation, please call (888) 329-7700.