1. Can erectile dysfunction be mental?

Absolutely. However, this does not mean that the problem is “all in your head” or any less valid than someone who experiences erectile dysfunction due to a physical problem. Mental causes of ED account for about 10 to 20 percent of all cases and are often a secondary reaction a physical issue. Mental causes of ED might be linked to abuse or sexual trauma in childhood, but is more commonly associated with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, guilt, or depression.

2. What causes male impotence?

Impotence can be caused by a number of issues. Common causes include pre-existing medical conditions, lifestyle choices, stress, poor communication, and side effects from medication. For instance, diabetes, hard disease, kidney disease, and MS have all been linked to impotence. So have depression and anxiety. There is also evidence that smoking, excessive alcohol use and use of certain drugs can cause impotence. Finally, those who have undergone radiation and other cancer treatments, or who experienced injuries or damage to the pelvic area might experience impotence.

3. Does erectile dysfunction happen suddenly?

It can, depending on the underlying cause of the problem. For instance, if a man suffers an injury that affects his pelvic region it can result in immediate erectile dysfunction. Mental and emotional causes of ED can also result in the issue developing suddenly. In some cases, ED issues pass as quickly as they arose, but sometimes medical support is needed. There are also instances in which a man develops ED gradually or deals with it sporadically. This is especially true when it is linked to a disease.

4. What is ICP injection therapy?

Penile Injection therapy or ICP consists of a combination of substances being injected into the penis. Injections include a customized combination of Prostaglandin, Papaverine, and Phentolamine. The treatment has been in use for about 30 years and was first discovered when a patient received an accidental injection during heart surgery. Used properly, ICP is relatively safe and effective. Side effects include bruising or the forming of a small hematoma at the injection site.

5. How is erectile dysfunction treated?

There are several treatments available for men dealing with erectile dysfunction. Identifying the underlying cause is important before pursuing a treatment option. Once a cause is identified, a treatment plan might include one or more of the following: Medication Self-care Abstaining from smoking and alcohol Lose weight Discussing the problem with a partner Managing stress Penile implant surgery Hormone therapy Vacuum erection Psychotherapy

6. How do your weight management programs work?

Our weight management programs are customized to the individual patient. Weekly meetings evaluate your progress and most patients can expect a loss of about 15 to 20 pounds during the first month. Patients may receive appetite suppressants to assist them with weight loss throughout the program. Customized exercise plans can also be developed and help patients hasten their weight loss and improve their overall health, both short- and long-term.

7. Are your weight loss programs safe?

Yes, our weight loss programs are completely safe. We believe that weight loss is never one-size-fits-all. We meet with patients to discuss their goals and their health concerns, and then we develop customized solutions for weight loss. When needed, we provide patients with appetite suppressants. We also provide guidance concerning exercise with the goal of creating a healthier overall lifestyle that is intended to last a lifetime.

8. How can bioidentical hormone replacement help me?

Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones produced naturally in the body. They are derived from plant estrogens. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is thought to be safer because it is natural and more in line with what your body would naturally produce. Benefits of using HRT vary widely from person to person and might help with everything from sexual dysfunction to sleep and weight loss.

9. Can erectile dysfunction be prevented?

Sometimes ED can be prevented, but it all depends on the cause of ED. The best way to reduce your risk for ED is to live a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. Avoid smoking and excessive drinking and use of certain drugs. All of these things have been linked to ED. Living a healthier life also reduces your risk for health issues that are linked to ED, such as diabetes and heart disease.

10. How do you know if you have low testosterone?

It might be impossible to know for sure that you have low testosterone until you undergo a medical test. However, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms it could be an indication that you have low testosterone: Low sex drive Hair loss ED Muscle loss Increased body fat Mood changes Memory issues Low testosterone is most commonly linked with age, but it can be an issue at any point in a man’s life.

Low-T Quiz | Florida Men’s Health Center

The best way to take the test is to not overthink each question. For each item, please mark the number that best shows your thoughts and feelings. Your answers will be private and anonymous.

Which of the following symptoms apply to you at this time? Please, mark the appropriate box for each symptom. For symptoms that do not apply, please mark “none”.

1. Decline in your feeling of general well being (general state of health, subjective feeling)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

2. Joint pain and muscular ache (lower back pain, joint pain, pain in a limb, general back ache)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

3. Excessive sweating (unexpected/sudden episodes of sweating, hot flushes independent of strain)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

4. Sleep problems (difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in sleeping through, waking up early and feeling tired, poor sleep, sleeplessness)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

5. Increased need for sleep, often feeling tired

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

6. Irritability (feeling aggressive, easily upset about little things, moody)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

7. Nervousness (inner tension, restlessness)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

8. Anxiety (feeling panicky)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

9. Physical exhaustion/lacking vitality (general decrease in performance, reduced activity, feeling of getting less done, of having to force oneself to undertake activities)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

10. Decrease in muscular strength (feeling weak)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

11. Depressive mood (feeling down, sad, on the verge of tears, mood swings)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

12. Feeling that you have passed your peak

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

13. Feeling burnt out, having hit rock-bottom

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

14. Decrease in beard growth

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

15. Decrease in the number of morning erections

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

16. Decrease in ability/frequency to perform sexually

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)

17. Decrease in sexual desire/libido (lacking pleasure in sex, lacking desire for intercourse)

None (1)

Mild (2)

Moderate (3)

Severe (4)

Extreme (5)