ED is a complicated condition that can be caused by a wide range of physiological and psychological causes.  For the guys that we work with, who have tried all of the standard medical solutions, ED is a three-pronged process arising from alterations in vascular health, hormonal health and psychological health.  When the quick fixes haven't worked men need to find a solution that targets each of these three areas.  

Chronic stress has a wide range of impacts on the body, including elevating Cortisol and impairing Testosterone production.  In addition chronic stress has neurological impacts that further inhibit the body from achieving and maintaining an erection.  Anxiety, both acute and chronic has a similar impact on the body - stimulating the "fight of flight" response of our autonomic nervous system which acts to impair erections.  
Performance Anxiety is an extremely common and complicated result of even one incident of ED.  Solutions that help men reframe their sexual experiences and target performance anxiety are required for nearly all men to find lasting solutions to ED. 

While the incidence of ED increases with age it is important to know that ED is NOT a normal part of aging.  Hear this clearly men as it is consensus from all experts in the Men's Health space:  A healthy male should have the desire and ability to engage in sexual intercourse at any age.

Conservative estimates tell us that over 300 million men worldwide are suffering from ED.  The most recent incidence data show is that 40% of men at 40 years old; 50% at 50 years old, 60% at 60 years old and 70% at 70 years old are impacted by erectile dysfunction. 

.There is a clear association between several chronic health conditions and the development of ED.  From obesity, diabetes and atherosclerotic vascular disease to diseases of the prostate, there are many associations.  In many cases, ED is the first sign of these disease processes.  That is why managing ED with little blue pills alone is neither effective or wise!  Solutions that solve ED and at the same time resolve the underlying disease processes make much more sense and lead to lasting results.

Yes, in some cases they can.  Some of the most common medications that can cause ED include:    Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety and can cause ED in some men.   Antihypertensive medications: High blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers, diuretics, and ACE inhibitors, can interfere with blood flow to the penis and cause ED.   Antipsychotics: Medications used to treat schizophrenia and other mental health disorders, such as risperidone and olanzapine, can cause ED in some men.   Hormonal medications: Medications that affect testosterone levels, such as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, can cause ED.   Opioids: Prescription pain medications, such as oxycodone and morphine, can interfere with sexual function and cause ED.   Statins: Cholesterol-lowering medications, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, can cause ED in some men.   Prostate cancer treatments: Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy for prostate cancer can all cause ED as a side effect.    

It's important to note that not all men will experience ED as a side effect of these medications, and the severity of the ED can vary. If you are taking any of these medications important to understand the role they may play in the underlying cause of your ED.

The prevention of ED is very much in line with the treatments that we provide.  As we have noted, ED is a combination of impaired vascular health, hormonal health and psychological health.  Prevention of ED is tied to optimizing for enhanced health in each of these areas.  We recognize however that this statement leave little direction to a reader.  That is why our programs exist; to provide a path forward, directed by science, to make the most effective changes with the minimal effort.

Any persistent ED warrants consultation with a physician.  In our Coaching Program we require our men to have an evaluation and blood work completed.  We will likely evaluate the outcome of blood work more stringently than your physician because we have the sole outcome of resolving ED at mind.  Regardless of the path forward you choose, it is extremely important to have all of the information at hand and a visit to your physician is part of that process. 

Standard medical treatments for ED include prescription medications called PDE5 Inhibitors.  Sildenafil and Tedalafil at the most commonly prescribed.  These medications look to prolong the effect of an enzyme called cGMP which is involved in blood vessel dilation or widening.  These medications fail to work for 30-50% of men.  
Other treatments include shockwave therapy, injection therapy and counseling.  None of the available treatment options tackle the three root causes of ED.  

ED is an issue that impacts both the men and our partners.  It can be deeply damaging to any relationship if there is a lack of communication and clarity.  In our program, ED- A Mental Game, we spend a great deal of time and attention on fostering communication, intimacy and connection between partners to support the eventual and inevitable return to physical intimacy that will come at the end of your 12 week journey.