Male Sexual Dysfunction at Northwest Urology
Male sexual dysfunction encompasses a variety of conditions that can affect sexual performance, intimacy, and overall quality of life. These include erectile dysfunction (ED), the inability to achieve or maintain an erection; premature ejaculation, which is ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired; and low testosterone (hypogonadism), a hormonal imbalance that can lead to reduced libido, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability to attain an erection of sufficient rigidity or the inability to sustain an erection of sufficient duration for intercourse. ED is common in men over 40 and increases with age. It is estimated that 10 to 20 million men suffer ED, and 30 million men suffer partial ED. Although erectile dysfunction correlates with advancing age, other independent risk factors also increase the risk of ED for men of all ages. Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, smoking and drug or alcohol abuse are linked to ED. In fact, erectile dysfunction may be the first symptom of vascular disease. Evaluation of ED symptoms offers an opportunity to assess other conditions that may be treated to avoid serious medical conditions such as hypertension and coronary artery disease.
The evaluation for ED begins with a complete medical history and physical combined with several non-invasive screening tests. The results of these tests are used to rule out diabetes, hypertension, vascular disease and hormone abnormalities. Based on the physical exam and test results, the cause of the ED can be identified and an appropriate treatment plan can be implemented.
The available treatment options for ED continue to increase and improve. They range from oral medications to surgical insertion of a penile prosthetic. Treatments are individually tailored to address the underlying causes and to utilize the least invasive therapy that produces satisfactory results. Although studies have shown that surgical therapy offers the highest patient satisfaction with the greatest probability of success, it is never the first choice in treatment because it is not reversible and carries some risk.
Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone, the hormone that plays a key role in masculine development during puberty. The cause of hypogonadism may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (occurring later in life). The consequences of hypogonadism vary with the time of onset. For adults, the following symptoms typically occur:
Although the patient’s history and physical examination may suggest hypogonadism, a blood test that analyzes testosterone levels must be performed to confirm the diagnosis. If the testosterone level is low, an additional test of the pituitary gland function must be obtained to determine if the cause of the low testosterone is in the testes or the pituitary gland.
Hormone replacement therapy is the general treatment for hypogonadism. For men who don’t wish to father children, testosterone injections or topical applications can be prescribed. Men wishing to father children will not be given this treatment option as it suppresses sperm production. Instead, they will be treated with a hormone that mimics the pituitary gland and stimulates testosterone production in the patient’s testes.
Male infertility is a common issue affecting many couples trying to conceive. It can stem from a variety of causes, including hormonal imbalances, structural abnormalities, genetic conditions, and lifestyle factors.
At Northwest Urology, we offer a thorough evaluation to identify the root cause of infertility, which includes:
These evaluations help create a personalized treatment plan to optimize fertility and improve conception chances.
Premature ejaculation is ejaculation that occurs sooner than a man or his partner wishes. Primary premature ejaculation indicates that the condition began at the same time as sexual activity. Secondary premature ejaculation describes a condition that begins after some period of satisfactory sexual activity without ejaculatory problems.
The diagnosis of premature ejaculation is based upon the perception of the patient and/or his partner. A careful history and physical examination is necessary to identify contributing factors and to rule out erectile dysfunction, neurologic disease and medications that might be interfering with sexual performance.
We realize that sexual satisfaction is an important quality of life issue and treatment options will be presented that best address each patient’s condition. Premature ejaculation can be treated effectively with a combination of medication (topical anesthetic cream and/or oral medications), and psychological counseling by an experienced sex therapist.
At Northwest Urology, we understand the emotional and physical challenges of fertility concerns and are committed to providing care in a supportive environment. Our expert team works closely with patients to uncover the root causes of fertility issues and develops personalized plans to address common causes of infertility. Select infertility cases, particularly those requiring testicular sperm extraction or sperm cryopreservation, may require referral to a specialized fertility center.
If you and your partner are experiencing difficulty conceiving, schedule a consultation with Northwest Urology today to take the first step toward understanding your fertility health.
This content is provided for informational purposes only. For a professional diagnosis or medical advice, please consult a healthcare provider.
