Almost all men experience erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives, says Dr. Paul E Perito. Stress from work, raising a family, or even health issues may contribute to erectile dysfunction. But when do you need to see a doctor?

According to Dr. Paul E. Perito, chronic erectile dysfunction can affect a man’s life dramatically. The inability to hold an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity can impact a man’s marriage/partnership as well as his self-esteem. In addition to the one who is suffering from the disorder, his partner may begin to feel inadequate. Dr. Paul E. Perito notes that this can cause feelings of depression, anger and possibly even lead to allegations of infidelity, all of which can ruin a relationship.

Many men feel that erectile dysfunction is just a consequence of age. Not true, says Dr. Paul E. Perito. There are a variety of factors which can contribute to or cause erectile dysfunction. Health conditions like diabetes or certain heart problems; tobacco use; obesity; medical treatments such as radiation or prostate surgery; anxiety, stress, or depression; and alcohol or drug use are all known causes of erectile dysfunction, reports Dr. Paul E. Perito. Even men who have maintained a healthy lifestyle and have no other conditions may be affected. Certain forms of exercise, like prolonged mountain biking, can affect the function of the penis by damaging the nerves and restricting blood flow to the area.

A man’s first ally in the fight against ED may be his primary care doctor. A routine physical may be a good time to open up the conversation about the issue. According to Dr. Paul E. Perito, advance preparation is the key to successful conversation about erectile dysfunction. Patients are advised to keep a log of any symptoms in which they’ve had, even if they do not seem related to the issue. The physician will want to see a list of all medications the patient is taking, including herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements, says Dr. Paul E. Perito. Taking along a spouse or partner may be important as they will have a different perspective of the issues and may have noticed something that the patient has not.

Here are a few questions that Dr. Paul E. Perito says to ask:

• Aside from the obvious, what are other potential causes?
• What specific tests are needed?
• How can other current health conditions be managed alongside erectile dysfunction?
• Are there any dietary or physical restrictions?
• Will insurance cover treatment for erectile dysfunction?
• What are sources for reliable printed literature or websites with good information?

Dr. Paul E. Perito points out that this is not a comprehensive list of questions but it’s a good starting point. Erectile dysfunction, says Dr. Paul E. Perito, does not have to control the patient’s life and it can be treated successfully with chemical compounds, external devices, or penile implants, such as the ones Dr. Paul E. Perito utilizes in his practice.

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Dr. Paul E. Perito graduated the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine in 1988. His Coral Gables, Florida, urology center, Perito Urology, draws patients from around the globe for its innovative and updated Erectile Dysfunction treatments. Having successfully performed over 3,000 penile implants since 2005, Dr. Paul E. Perito is considered a leader in the field. His signature minimally invasive technique, The Perito Approach, has been taught to surgeons worldwide through travel and at Coral Gables Hospital, where he is Director of Urology. Dr. Paul E Perito is has participated in countless medical studies in his quest to simplify the penile implant process and make the procedure safer for his patients.

The information contained in this article is provided by Dr. Paul E. Perito for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition.