I’m Embarrassed About My Erectile Dysfunction: Can You Help?
Feb 14, 2025
Erectile dysfunction (ED) can feel incredibly isolating. Studies estimate that more than 70% of men with this condition remain undiagnosed — suffering in silence and hesitant to discuss the issue with a healthcare provider. But this doesn’t have to be your story.
Leading urologist David B. Samadi, MD, specializes in helping men with ED restore sexual function and enjoy a fulfilling sex life. Whether it’s through lifestyle adjustments, medication, or more advanced techniques, Dr. Samadi is dedicated to finding solutions that work for you.
Don’t let shame or embarrassment hold you back from accessing effective treatments. Read on to learn more about possible causes of ED, and how Dr. Samadi can help you overcome this common challenge.
ED, or impotence, isn’t necessarily about a lack of desire or not being in the mood. It’s a complex medical condition that affects a man’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
It’s normal to have erectile difficulties every once in a while, particularly when you’re tired or stressed. However, if these challenges become frequent or bothersome, it may indicate a deeper issue. A variety of factors, both physical and psychological, can contribute to ED:
Conditions like heart disease, hypertension, and high cholesterol can narrow the blood vessels that supply blood to the penis. This can impair your ability to achieve an erection or have satisfying sex, as strong blood flow is essential to get and maintain a firm erection.
Both nerve damage and blood vessel problems are common complications of diabetes, which can have a major impact on erectile function. In the United States, up to 50% of men with diabetes struggle with related ED.
Beyond simply affecting your sexual desire and arousal, stress, anxiety, and depression can increase your risk of cardiovascular disorders — and consequently, impotence. Some antidepressant medications may also have side effects such as a reduced libido and difficulty achieving an erection.
Testosterone plays a key role in men’s sexual function. While not all men with low testosterone levels experience these symptoms, many notice a decrease in sexual desire (libido) as well as erectile function.
You may be surprised how much your lifestyle can impact your bedroom performance. Unhealthy habits like smoking, recreational drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption can damage your blood vessels and harm your central nervous system, leading to ED.
If you’re struggling with ED, there’s no reason to feel ashamed or embarrassed. Effective solutions are available, and Dr. Samadi works closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will address the root cause of your condition.
Depending on your specific needs, Dr. Samadi may recommend one or more of the following approaches:
Often, simple lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference when it comes to your sex life. These changes may include quitting smoking, drinking less or abstaining from alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Oral medications like Viagra® and Cialis® are typically the first choice for ED treatment. They work by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping you achieve and maintain an erection.
If low testosterone is contributing to your ED, hormone replacement therapy may be an option.
For men who haven’t found success with other treatments, penile prosthesis offers a surgical solution. While different models vary, these devices typically consist of inflatable cylinders that Dr. Samadi implants within the penis. A small pump, located in the scrotum, allows you to inflate the implant to produce an erection when desired.
Regaining confidence and fulfillment in the bedroom is possible. Schedule a visit in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, to discuss your concerns about ED and explore your treatment options. Dr. Samadi is also at St. Francis Hospital and Heart Center in East Hills, Long Island, weekly.