Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Manhattan

We are one of few centers that can offer all proven treatment options for ED.

Erectile Dysfunction

Men’s Health Manhattan prides itself on a well-earned reputation as a center of excellence providing world-class care in the medical and surgical management of erectile dysfunction. We have published multiple studies in the medical literature on this, and serve as a peer reviewer for a number of prominent medical journals for studies on erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a common medical condition affecting over 30 million American men. It is defined as the inability to either achieve, or to maintain an erection that is satisfactory for sexual activity - meaning either the man is not getting hard enough, or is not able to stay hard enough. It is noted in about 50% of men over the age of 50, and is seen in 70% or more of men over the age of 70. It is also often noted to affect younger men, and it is not unusual to see men in their twenties presenting with this issue.

While ED is common and is seen with some frequency, it should not be considered a “normal part of aging”, and it certainly does not mean that someone is any less of a man or less virile if presenting with this condition. Very often, ED is a result of the other conditions associated with men as they get older, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, smoking...the list goes on and on. In some men, ED is more related to a performance anxiety issue, where concern over poor erections causes worsening symptoms and leads to a vicious cycle.

For full details on the various medical implications and management of erectile dysfunction, please feel free to see our various textbook chapters:

Berookhim, Boback M, et al. “Medical implications of erectile dysfunction.” The Medical clinics of North America vol. 95,1 (2011): 213-21. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2010.08.020

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mcna.2010.08.020

Berookhim BM, at al. (2018) Chapter 192: Erectile Dysfunction. In: Rutherford’s Textbook of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, 9th Edition (pp. 1208-20). A Sindawi and B Perler (Editors). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.

What are the steps in diagnostic study?

At Men’s Health Manhattan, our significant experience and subspecialty training allow us to provide a state of the art, world class diagnostic evaluation. Very often, a thorough medical history will help us to clearly identify medical issues or medications that are contributing to the issue. The IIEF form (https://menshealthmanhattan.com/iief-form/) will help to quantify the extent of the issue and can often help guide our treatment. In addition, sometimes we will send additional lab work to help better understand the cause of ED.

Penile Color Doppler Sonography

In some men, a penile doppler ultrasound will help us to clearly understand the cause of ED and help to better delineate the appropriate treatment options. For full details on the performance of this study, we recommend our patients review our step by step guide to penile doppler ultrasound that was written to train urologists and other physicians, published in the authoritative journal in this field, the Journal of Sexual Medicine. Please search reference on pubmed.gov: Berookhim, Boback M. “Doppler Duplex Ultrasonography of the Penis.” The Journal of Sexual Medicine vol. 13,4 (2016): 726-31. Surgical Techniques Doppler Duplex Ultrasonography of the Penis In this diagnostic study, the patient is brought into a comfortable and private, climate controlled room. A penile injection is then administered with a very small, 29 gauge needle (this is tiny! - most of our patients will say they don’t feel the injection). The goal of the injection is to induce an erection in the office setting. Once the medication has taken effect, an ultrasound is performed to evaluate the quality of the blood flow to the penis. This has two benefits: It will help us to accurately identify if this is a vascular or blood flow issue or is more likely a performance anxiety issue It will help us to identify those patients who are more likely to respond to pills, injectables or to surgical management options.

Insurance covered procedures

While ED is common and is seen with some frequency, it should not be considered a “normal part of aging”

FAQ's about Erectile Dysfunction

What is Erectile Dysfunction, and Why Does it Happen?

Erectile dysfunction refers to the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. The primary complaint here is that people report that they are either not getting hard enough for activity, or cannot maintain the erection for sexual activity. Various factors can contribute to ED, including physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. In many men, ED has a medical source and is not just in the mind. Common physical causes include cardiovascular issues, diabetes, hormonal imbalances, and neurological disorders. Psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can also play a significant role.

Is Erectile Dysfunction a Natural Part of Aging?

ED is very common as men age, and affects about 50% of men over age of 40. It is not an inevitable part of the aging process. Aging can contribute to changes in sexual function, such as a decrease in testosterone levels and slower nerve conduction, but healthy lifestyle choices can mitigate these effects. Factors like maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can positively impact sexual health, even as one ages. Regardless of the cause, there are multiple treatment options.

How Can I Talk to My Partner About Erectile Dysfunction?

Open communication is crucial when addressing ED with a partner. Most partners will be worried that ED is a sign of loss of attraction. Having an open dialogue and reviewing that this is a medical issue will very often solve this issue and help build a stronger relationship. Make it clear that ED is a common issue and does not reflect a lack of attraction or love. Encourage your partner to share their feelings and concerns as well.

What Treatment Options are Available for Erectile Dysfunction?

Treatment for ED depends on its underlying cause. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise, can be beneficial. For many, medications like Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra may be prescribed to enhance blood flow to the penis, and if these fail, patients can consider penile injection therapy. For patients who are seeking a more permanent solution, are failing medications or need spontaneity, penile implants are an excellent option.

Can Lifestyle Changes Help Prevent Erectile Dysfunction?

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing ED. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, reducing the likelihood of vascular-related ED. A balanced diet that promotes overall well-being, including sexual health, is essential. Additionally, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices can contribute to maintaining erectile function.

Why Men’s Health Manhattan - Diagnostic Evaluation

At Men’s Health Manhattan, our significant experience and subspecialty training allow us to provide a state of the art, world class diagnostic evaluation. Very often, a thorough medical history will help us to clearly identify medical issues or medications that are contributing to the issue. The IIEF form will help to quantify the extent of the issue and can often help guide our treatment. In addition, sometimes we will send additional lab work to help better understand the cause of ED.

Do I have ED?