Erectile Dysfunction Specialist
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Delmar Primary Care Associates
Dannie E. Williams, MD, MPH
Primary Care located in St. Louis, MO
It’s common to experience erectile dysfunction every once in a while, but if it affects you in 50% or more of your sexual encounters, it could indicate an underlying health issue. At Delmar Primary Care Associates in St. Louis, Missouri, Dannie Williams, MD, MPH, evaluates you for conditions and lifestyle factors that may be impacting your ability to get and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. To schedule an evaluation, call Delmar Primary Care Associates or request an appointment online today.
Erectile Dysfunction Q&A
What is erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is an issue that mostly affects aging men. With it, you’re unable to achieve or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual activity.
If this only happens once in a while, it probably isn’t a cause for concern. However, if it’s a consistent problem, to the point that it affects your self-confidence or relationship satisfaction, there are treatments available.
At Delmar Primary Care Associates, Dr. Williams helps you explore the causes and contributing factors for your erectile dysfunction before finding a treatment, either for an underlying condition or for the erectile dysfunction itself.
While it might seem embarrassing to bring up this issue, it’s common, and there is no need to feel shy about it with your physician.
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Your erectile dysfunction could be a symptom or complication from a disease or condition, or it might happen because of one or several lifestyle factors. Conditions that are either physical or mental can affect your ability to get and maintain an erection. Common causes behind erectile dysfunction include:
- Natural aging
- Hormone imbalances like low testosterone
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Issues within your relationship
- Alcoholism
- Tobacco use
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Nervous system diseases (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis)
You might have just one factor or condition causing or contributing to your erectile dysfunction or several. In any case, Dr. Williams thoroughly explores all possibilities with a discussion about your lifestyle and health, an examination, and possible lab tests.
How is erectile dysfunction treated?
Treating erectile dysfunction might be as simple as making some adjustments to your lifestyle and behaviors. For example, losing weight or reducing your alcohol consumption can improve the condition. Attending therapy sessions alone or with your partner can also help if your relationship is a factor.
At Delmar Primary Care Associates, Dr. Williams offers medication management for erectile dysfunction. She might prescribe medications for underlying conditions like high blood pressure or hormones for low testosterone. Alternatively, there are medications dedicated exclusively to stimulating blood flow to your penile blood vessels.
You should always take your medications directly as prescribed by Dr. Williams, and don’t adjust your dosage or stop taking them without consulting her first. You might need to try a few options before you find the medication best for you.
To learn more about erectile dysfunction and the treatments and medications available, call Delmar Primary Care Associates or request an appointment online today.