Is Erectile Dysfunction Keeping You From a Satisfying Sex Life?

According to the Urology Care Foundation of the American Urological Association, erectile dysfunction affects as many as 30 million men. Unfortunately, erectile dysfunction in men can occur at any age, caused by multiple conditions, slowly getting worse with age. Silver Cross Hospital is offering a lecture on Sexual Dysfunction in Men that will educate area residents on how to treat this issue.

Free Lecture

Join Dr. Ernesto Tan, urologist, who will discuss causes, evaluation and new treatment options from mild to severe erectile dysfunction, including medications, injections, and devices on Tuesday, Oct 18. This free program will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1890 Silver Cross Blvd., New Lenox. Register to attend at silvercross.org.

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Most men have problems with erections from time to time. In some men, these problems are regular and more severe. ED, or erectile dysfunction, is when it is hard to get or keep an erection that’s firm enough for sex.

“While erectile dysfunction increases as men age, growing old is not the cause,” said Dr. Ernesto Tan, who is on staff at Silver Cross Hospital. “ED can be an early sign of a more serious health problem. Determining the cause and treating ED can improve your health and well-being.”

ED can result from health or emotional (depression, stress or worry) problems, or from both combined. Reduced blood flow or harm to nerves in the penis can result in erection problems. These can be caused by heart disease, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, surgery, injuries and even smoking. Some medicine, as well as alcohol or other drugs may also cause erection problems.

Treatment Choices

To improve erection problems, your physician may need to treat the root causes. Your provider may ask you to change certain habits, such as stopping smoking, drug or alcohol use. Treating emotional problems, such as relationship conflicts, depression or performance anxiety can also help. Cutting back on or changing certain meds can often improve ED. Do not stop taking your medicine or change any meds without talking to your health care provider first. If a blood test shows low testosterone levels (low T), testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may help. However, if a blood test shows you have normal testosterone levels, adding TRT will not help your erection problems.

“Men who respond well to medications should keep in mind lifestyle factors that can affect ED,” said Dr. Tan. “Men should make healthy food choices, exercise regularly, and maintain normal cholesterol and weight levels.”

About Ernesto Tan, M.D.

Ernesto Tan, M.D., completed his urology residency at Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center and Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He has been in urology practice serving the Joliet area for over 30 years. He is also an active volunteer in Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Will County, as well as with Guardian Angel Home of Joliet. Dr Tan is a member of many professional societies including the American Urological Association, North Central Urological Society, and the American Medical Association. He is certified by the American Board of Urology. His office is in Lockport, and is currently affiliated with Associated Urological Specialists. To learn more about Dr Tan and his office, visit www.drernestotan.com. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Tan, please call his office at (815) 741 1020.