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Comprehensive Urology in Beverly Hills, CA offers state-of-the-art facilities to test and treat erectile dysfunction symptoms using a complete suite of ED tests and treatment options including Shockwave therapy, TRT, medications, and vascular surgery.

Nearly 70% of men experience erectile dysfunction by the time they turn 70. Erectile dysfunction may be common, but it can still have a severe impact on your quality of life. Comprehensive Urology wants you to know you are not alone. Our specialists have years of experience helping men overcome this condition. With proven erectile dysfunction treatment methods, you can take back control of your life.

Kiarash Michel, MD, and his expert urology team understand how frustrating and dis-empowering erectile dysfunction (ED) can feel. That’s why they offer several cutting-edge treatments at their office in the Beverly Grove area of Los Angeles. Book an appointment with the team and reclaim your sexual vitality by calling Comprehensive Urology or by scheduling a visit online today.

Table of Contents

How does a urologist test for ED?

A urologist will typically conduct an ED evaluation using the following in-office procedures on the first visit:

  • Erection Test
  • Penile Doppler Ultrasound
  • Medical History Intake
  • Mental Health Intake
  • Blood Tests
  • Urine Sample

Erection Test

A Urologist will directly observe the erect penis using an injection test, which is also called an intracavernosal test. Your doctor injects a combination of medications called a Trimix injection into the base of your penis. At first, a small amount of medication is administered to see if there’s a reaction. The dose is gradually increased to see if the patient arrives at an assisted erection. If there isn’t a strong erection after the injection, this points to a physical problem with the blood flow to the penis. If an erection is achieved, it typically lasts for about 4 hours after the injection.

Penile Doppler Ultrasound

Used in conjunction with the Trimix injection, a special ultrasound called a Penile Doppler US can measure the flow of blood into the penis during the formation of an erection. Interruptions in the blood flow can be specifically located, especially in conditions such as Peyronie’s Disease where a plaque can form on one side of the penis, stopping the flow of blood and causing the penis to bend. Any problems with the blood vessels in the penis can be identified using this special scan that happens in the doctor’s office.

Medical History Intake

Because the penis is a vascular organ with many blood vessels, blood flow is a major factor in achieving and maintaining erections. Since the heart pumps blood throughout the body, your urologist will recommend that you have a full cardiovascular work-up since cardiovascular disease and diabetes are significant contributors to ED.

A past history of physical trauma to the penis may have resulted in Peyronie’s Disease, which can lead to erectile dysfunction. Past surgeries in this area can also be a potential factor for vascular issues.

Mental Health Intake

Emotional Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to erectile dysfunction. Being in a calm state of mind is necessary to establish the right mood for sex to happen. If your mind is filled with worries about your life, you won’t be able to relax and connect with a partner. Alcoholism is connected to our emotional struggles and can cause ED as well. By treating both the body and the mind, patients are more likely to recover their ability to have erection.

Blood Tests and Urine Sample

As we age, we can experience shifts in our hormone levels. Your urologist will order a hormone panel to check for deficiencies that may prevent you from having satisfying sexual intercourse. The blood tests may include:

A urine sample can test for:

  • Urinalysis
  • BUN/Creatinine to check the Kidneys
  • STDs if symptoms present

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also commonly called impotence, is a type of male sexual dysfunction that causes an inability to achieve or maintain an erection. The condition frequently causes frustration, depression, low self-confidence, and a drop in overall quality of life. ED can also have an impact on your intimate relationships, because a fear of low sexual performance can lead to avoidance of sex and this can make the partner feel like they are unwanted. Countless patients have reported greater intimacy in their relationship after successful erectile dysfunction treatment.

 

Many men experience ED during times of stress or after consuming too much alcohol. However, recurring ED can be a sign of an underlying problem. Without treatment, erectile dysfunction can start to negatively impact your life. Commonly it can diminish your self-esteem and make it challenging to sustain fulfilling sexual relationships. Our goal is to help you overcome this condition and restore the life affirming power of healthy sex.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Sexual arousal is a sophisticated process with many important components. A variety of physical, mental, and emotional factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction. A significant factor in treatment is identifying what factors are at play. For many men, it can be more than one. These factors include:

While age isn’t the only reason men develop ED, it is a major contributing factor. As you age, erections can be difficult to achieve and maintain. However, it is far from impossible.

Treating underlying conditions

Treating underlying medical conditions that contribute to ED is an important step in management and resolution of erectile dysfunction symptoms. If you have an underlying medical condition that is contributing to your ED, your Comprehensive Urology provider may recommend the following treatments:

  • Medications: Depending on the underlying medical condition, medications such as oral medications or injections may be recommended to manage the condition and improve erectile dysfunction symptoms.
  • Lifestyle changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption, can help manage underlying medical conditions and improve ED.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat the underlying medical condition, such as prostate cancer.
  • Counseling: If psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression are contributing to ED, counseling or therapy may be recommended to address these factors.

It is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that addresses both your underlying medical condition and erectile dysfunction symptoms. With appropriate treatment, it may be possible to manage or resolve ED and improve your overall quality of life.

How do I know whether my erectile dysfunction is physical or mental?

Determining whether erectile dysfunction is caused by underlying physical or psychological issues can be challenging. There can be a range of factors that contribute to ED, and often, a combination of physical and psychological factors are involved. However, there are some signs that can help you determine whether your ED is physical or psychological:

  • Physical causes: If your ED is caused by physical factors, you may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, even during sexual activity that would normally be stimulating. You may also experience other physical erectile dysfunction symptoms such as reduced libido, a lack of morning erections, or decreased sensitivity in the penis.
  • Psychological causes: If your ED is caused by psychological factors, you may have no problem achieving an erection when masturbating or during sleep. You may also experience anxiety, stress, or depression, and you may find that your ED is triggered by specific situations or events, such as relationship problems or performance anxiety.

What is the best Erectile Dysfunction Treatment?

Often, a combination of therapies can bring the best and most lasting effects. Before you consider surgery, such as the installation of a device to help you have an erection, consider the following top minimally invasive treatments:

  • Shockwave Therapy
  • PRP Penile Injections (Platelet Rich Plasma)
  • Botox Penile Injections
  • New Study: BoShox (Botox Injections with Shockwave Therapy)
  • Medications: Cialis and Viagra

Can I combine erectile dysfunction treatments?

Dr. Michel’s team at Comprehensive Urology have found that combining multiple therapies often helps men achieve more reliable erections that last longer during sexual intercourse. For lasting results, nearly all of our patients use Shockwave Therapy to enhance capillary growth, nerve rejuvenation, and blood flow to optimize erections.

This non-invasive treatment can be combined with prescription drugs, proper diet and exercise, and various surgical options to help you restore your confidence during sexual intercourse. Additionally, many patients report that they have more satisfying intimate relationships after completing medical treatments.

Which Option Is Best for Me?

We look at every aspect of your situation to build your treatment plan. Our experienced experts have helped countless men overcome ED already, and they look forward to helping you, too. At every step, we carefully consider every unique factor that causes your ED.

What works for one patient might not help another patient with ED. So, we take everything into account when finding the right option for you.

You can start to take back control today when you schedule your appointment. During your initial consultation, we will begin working on a plan for diagnosis and treatment. Every step of the way, we provide you with complete information. Learn more about erectile dysfunction treatment near me today.