Sexual health
Causes of erectile dysfunction
Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these, and stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen it.
Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction. For instance, a minor physical condition that slows your sexual response might cause anxiety about maintaining an erection. The resulting anxiety can lead to or worsen erectile dysfunction.
Work Up & Treatment Considerations
Physical exam
This might include careful examination of your penis and testicles and checking your nerves for sensation.
Blood tests
A sample of your blood might be sent to a lab to check for signs of heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels and other health conditions.
Psychological exam
Your doctor might ask questions to screen for depression and other possible psychological causes of erectile dysfunction.
Oral medications
Our physician assistant Scott Baxter can Rx meds to enhance the effects of nitric oxide, a natural chemical your body produces that relaxes muscles in the penis. This increases blood flow and allows you to get an erection in response to sexual stimulation.
Psychological counseling
If your erectile dysfunction is caused by stress, anxiety or depression, or the condition is creating stress and relationship tension, we might suggest that you, or you and your partner, see one of our psychologists. For many men, erectile dysfunction is caused or worsened by lifestyle choices.
Testosterone replacement
Some men have erectile dysfunction that might be complicated by low levels of the hormone testosterone. In this case, testosterone replacement therapy might be recommended as the first step or given in combination with other therapies.
Scott Baxter, PA-C
Physician Assistant · Assistant Medical Director
PA Scott has transitioned his life work from emergency and urgent care to mental health, where he now specializes in medication management and supportive therapy. Scott has an amazing ability to connect with people from all walks of life without judgment or bias. Trained locally at Touro University Nevada, Scott has been making an impact on our community for many years.
Be seen today
Confidential, judgment-free care. Request an appointment or call us.