Ask the Doctor: Questions About Erectile Dysfunction (ED) that you might be hesitant to ask

Erectile dysfunction is difficult to talk about, whether in the bedroom or the doctor’s office, yet it affects more than 30 million men in the United States. 

“Men’s urological health is often overlooked because no one wants to talk about these sensitive issues,” says Tejash Shah, MD, a board-certified urologist with Hunterdon Urological Associates, and Medical Director of Men’s Sexual and Reproductive Health at Hunterdon Medical Center. Despite the sensitivity, Dr. Shah feels the more men (and women) know about ED, the more likely they’ll feel comfortable about seeking medical care for themselves or their partner. 

“The symptoms of erectile dysfunction can vary from not being able to get an erection at all, to sometimes, to the inability to maintain an erection during sex,” explains Dr. Shah. 

According to Dr. Shah, ED itself is not a health risk, but it can be an early warning sign of underlying health conditions. “There are many factors that may cause ED including heart disease, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, stress and depression. Figuring out the cause requires a physical examination, blood and urine test, ultrasound and a mental health check by a urologist,” advises Dr. Shah. 

Once the root cause of ED is determined, there are several treatment options including medications, lifestyle changes, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, counseling, medical devices and, if necessary, surgery. 

“ED is treatable,” says Dr. Shah. “The first step begins with seeking the care of a highly trained physician with whom you can be comfortable.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Shah, call 908-237-4105.