{"id":719,"date":"2009-11-10T10:00:19","date_gmt":"2009-11-10T14:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ehealth.cooperhealth.org\/?p=719"},"modified":"2009-11-10T10:00:19","modified_gmt":"2009-11-10T14:00:19","slug":"treatment-sexual-dysfunction-men","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.cooperhealth.org\/ehealth\/2009\/11\/10\/treatment-sexual-dysfunction-men\/","title":{"rendered":"The Right Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction in Men"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HappyMore than 30 million American men suffer from various degrees of sexual dysfunction. The most common problems are difficulty achieving or maintaining erection, premature ejaculation, and aging-associated emotional, physical and hormonal changes.<\/p>\n

While some of these problems become more prevalent with age, medical science has made significant progress in developing innovative treatments and cures.<\/p>\n

Still, sexual dysfunction<\/a> is a topic that many men are hesitant to discuss.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnfortunately, many men often suffer in silence with sexual dysfunction,\u201d said Allen D. Seftel, M.D.<\/a>, a nationally recognized specialist in sexual medicine<\/a> and Head of the Division of Urology<\/a> at Cooper.<\/p>\n

\u201cSexual dysfunction is a medical condition that can have a tremendous impact on a patient\u2019s quality of life. It\u2019s important for people to understand that the right medical intervention can help the majority of men,\u201d Dr. Seftel said.<\/p>\n

Sexual dysfunction can be caused by various physical and\/or psychological problems. Physical causes include such medical conditions as heart and vascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension, as well as drug abuse and alcoholism. Side effects from certain medications also can be a cause. Psychological causes include stress and anxiety, marital or relationship problems, depression, and concerns about sexual performance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why a thorough evaluation is needed for proper diagnosis and optimal treatment,\u201d Dr. Seftel said.<\/p>\n

While many cases of sexual dysfunction can be corrected by treating underlying physical or psychological problems, other treatment strategies include impotence drugs (such as Viagra or Levitra), testosterone replacement therapy, and mechanical aids, such as penile implants.<\/p>\n

In some cases, sexual medicine specialists use a combination of treatment strategies to achieve better results. For example, \u201cWhen drugs aren\u2019t fully effective, adding testosterone (hormone replacement) can enhance the effectiveness of the drugs,\u201d Dr. Seftel said.<\/p>\n

But careful, comprehensive monitoring and regular follow-up are an essential part of specialty care.<\/p>\n

\u201cEverybody is different when it comes to treatment. We continually review issues with patients, and our treatment plans are highly individualized. We make sure each patient understands his condition, his treatments, and his options. With regular monitoring and open dialogue, we make sure that patients are well served. The goal is to restore good, sexual functioning and quality-of-life by making sure that treatment is the best it can be,\u201d Dr. Seftel said.<\/p>\n

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