Erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie’s disease affect one in four and one in 10 men, respectively. If your erection appears curved, doesn’t look like it once did, or simply doesn’t feel like it used to, fellowship-trained urologist and sexual medicine specialist Dr. Gonzalez can help at his self-named clinic, Joshua R. Gonzalez, MD, in the West Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

request an appointment

What is erectile dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction, commonly called ED, is an inability to achieve or maintain an erection. The most common type of sexual dysfunction in men, erectile dysfunction affects millions of adults.

An erection can develop when you feel aroused. Nerves increase blood flow to the penis. The spongy tissue inside traps the blood to harden it for sexual activity. Once you reach orgasm, these tissues release the blood back into circulation, causing the penis to soften.

Erectile dysfunction can occur at any point during this process. Dr. Gonzalez works with you to identify the problem in your sexual response cycle and determine the appropriate treatment.

What are the signs of erectile dysfunction?

Every man experiences erectile dysfunction differently, but common signs include:

  • Difficulty getting aroused
  • Inability to achieve an erection
  • Trouble maintaining an erection during sex
  • Bouts of depression

Nearly all men experience erectile dysfunction from time to time, but if it becomes a frequent occurrence you may benefit from a comprehensive health assessment with Dr. Gonzalez.

What causes erectile dysfunction?

Many conditions can cause erectile dysfunction, such as:

  • Low testosterone (low T)
  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Vascular disease
  • Prostate removal

Peyronie’s disease, which causes scar tissue to develop in the penis, is another common cause of erectile dysfunction.

Dr. Gonzalez also specializes in post-prostatectomy penile rehabilitation if you’ve undergone surgery to remove your prostate.

What are the treatments for erectile dysfunction?

Dr. Gonzalez uses his expertise to offer many erectile dysfunction treatments, including:

Intracavernosal and intralesional injections

Intracavernosal injections deliver erectile dysfunction medication directly into your penis for maximum potency with minimal side effects. Intralesional injections address external lesions.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

Found in your blood, PRP is a type of plasma that contains a high concentration of growth factors to accelerate tissue healing and stimulate blood flow.

Low-intensity shock-wave therapy

Low-intensity shock-wave therapy is a noninvasive treatment that sends acoustic waves into your penile shaft and base to break up scar tissue and improve blood circulation.

Penile implant

A penile implant can help you achieve and maintain an erection, particularly if you have a penile injury or have undergone gender reassignment surgery.

Vacuum erection devices and traction therapies

Vacuum erection and traction therapies involve using devices regularly to help you achieve and maintain longer-lasting erections.

Call Joshua R. Gonzalez, MD, today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about erectile dysfunction.