Is ED Derailing Your Sexual Well-Being? We Have Solutions 

Erectile dysfunction can affect more than your sexual health — it can leave you feeling vulnerable and uncertain in every aspect of life. At Urology Specialists of Cypress, experienced urologist and caring Texas native Dr. James Stocks believes you deserve to feel confident and connected in your most intimate moments. 

Dr. Stocks and our empathetic team provide thoughtful, patient-specific ED solutions with compassion here in Cypress, Texas. 

Although ED is one of the most common problems Dr. Stocks treats as a board-certified urologist, many men feel embarrassed to discuss it and don’t get the help they need. With this month’s blog, we hope to replace feelings of embarrassment with hope. 

Understanding the causes of ED

ED can happen for several reasons. Sometimes it's physical, sometimes it's hormonal, and sometimes it's an unknown medical problem.

Treatment starts with a diagnostic evaluation to get to the root of your ED. Evaluation includes an honest discussion with Dr. Stocks about your symptoms, history, and habits. Don’t hesitate to speak up about your feelings and concerns. This one-on-one visit with Dr. Stocks plays a huge role in finding ED treatment that works for your life.

He may recommend blood tests to check important metrics like your hormone levels (particularly testosterone,) and you could need imaging tests to look for vascular problems or other issues.

In many cases, multiple factors may influence ED. Dr. Stocks compassionately evaluates the causes of your ED and recommends a personalized treatment plan with your input.

ED treatment options

There’s a wide range of treatment options for ED, so it's important to know that no man has to suffer with this challenge. Dr. Stocks starts with conservative recommendations but offers the full spectrum of solutions.

Oral medications

Dr. Stocks may recommend oral medications like Viagra®, Levitra®, or Cialis®. You take these medications at least half an hour (a maximum of four hours) before you plan to have sex. 

These medications relax blood vessels feeding the penis, improving blood flow so you can achieve an erection. Oral medications only work when you're sexually aroused. 

Testosterone therapy

Over 30, testosterone wanes by about 1% yearly. That’s normal and doesn’t necessarily mean you need testosterone therapy. But, for men who have low blood testosterone levels alongside difficulty with intimacy, Dr. Stocks may suggest hormone replacement therapy (HRT.) It may involve injections, implanting pellets, topical creams, or another delivery method.

Testosterone therapy regulates your levels, restoring a healthy balance. This can boost libido, energy, and your ability to achieve an erection. Dr. Stocks tracks your testosterone levels after several months and a few times a year after that, making adjustments if you need them.

Intracavernosal and intraurethral medications

For men who don’t respond well to oral ED medications, Dr. Stocks may prescribe alprostadil. You inject the medication into the corpora cavernosa (two sponge-like chambers within the shaft of the penis that fill with blood during an erection.) This helps stimulate increased blood flow, leading to an erection in 5-20 minutes.

Or, you use a special syringe to implant a tiny pellet directly into the urethra through the tip of your penis. The intraurethral method takes 5-10 minutes to achieve an erection.

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LIST)

LIST is a nondrug, noninvasive technology best known for treating kidney stones. It’s also highly effective for ED. 

With this treatment, sound waves trigger new blood vessel growth around your penis. This improves blood flow, which may make it much easier to achieve an erection.

Vacuum erection device

A vacuum erection device fits atop the penis. It uses vacuum suction to pull blood to the penis and create an erection. A band maintains it during sex.

Implanted prosthetic device

When other treatments aren’t effective, Dr. Stocks may discuss surgical options. Devices placed inside the penis can give you control over when you have erections.

Inflatable versions include a hidden pump in the scrotum, while you manually adjust the semirigid option when you're ready for intimacy.

When discussing treatments with you, Dr. Stocks explains everything in simple, clear terms. We make sure you're never rushed because we understand ED treatment is a big decision. Our approach focuses on making you feel heard and supported.

Call 281-304-2521 to request your appointment with Dr. James Stocks in Cypress, Texas. Let us help you take back control of your sexual health and whole-man wellness.