Help for a Common Challenge
Men with erectile dysfunction (ED or impotence) have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection for sexual intercourse. ED is very common, affecting millions of people in the United States. In fact, as many as half of men aged 40-70 have some form of ED.
If you are or your partner is having trouble maintaining an erection, the urologists at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens can help. Our team is very experienced in diagnosing and treating ED and offers a range of medical and surgical approaches based on the latest research.
How We Diagnose ED
If you have symptoms of ED, we will perform an exam and run a series of tests to determine its cause so we can match you with the best treatment. These include:
- Asking about your medical and sexual history
- Assessing your emotional health
- Performing blood tests to look for problems such as kidney disease, diabetes, and hormonal problems that may be related to ED
- Doppler ultrasound to analyze blood flow in the penis
- A test to see if you are having erections while you sleep at night
- Injection test (intracavernosal injection) to cause an erection and see how full your penis becomes
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Our doctors offer personalized ED treatment based on the results of your exam and testing.
Changing your lifestyle
Sometimes ED gets better when you make healthy changes to your lifestyle. Examples include:
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting or eliminating alcohol
- Losing weight
- Being physically active
- Seeking counseling for better emotional health
Medications for ED
Your doctor may prescribe medication if lifestyle changes do not improve your ED. Several ED medications work by relaxing your muscles and increasing blood flow to the penis, including:
- Sildenafil (Viagra®)
- Vardenafil (Levitra®, Staxyn®)
- Tadalafil (Cialis®)
- Avanafil (Stendra®)
If your ED is due to low testosterone, your doctor may prescribe testosterone therapy.
Suppository, injection, and pump therapies for ED
A number of nonsurgical options are available for men whose ED persists despite medication. Our urologists can advise you which may be appropriate and help you make the best decision for you.
- Penile suppository therapy. Insertion of a drug called alprostadil into the urethra (urine channel) can produce an erection lasting up to an hour.
- Penile injection therapy. Injection of drugs such as papaverine, phentolamine, or alprostadil into the penis can result in an erection.
- Vacuum erection device. Some men do well with a vacuum pump that pulls blood into the penis.
Surgical treatment of erectile dysfunction
For men who cannot achieve an erection using medication or other nonsurgical approaches, the implantation of a penile prosthesis is a safe, effective, and permanent ED treatment. A urologist will counsel you about penile implant surgery. Most of the implants we use are inflatable. You activate the implant by pressing on a small pump placed into your scrotum. Our urologists are highly experienced in performing penile implantation surgery.
Why Choose Us
At NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, we understand how frustrating ED can be for men and their partners. We offer extensive experience and advanced expertise to determine what is causing your ED and devise the most effective care plan. You can receive all the care you need in one place, close to home. Since we are part of NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the country's largest medical centers, you'll also have access to specialists from all areas available to provide comprehensive care. Contact our team today to make an appointment for a consultation.