SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS
Introduction: What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) — sometimes called impotence — is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. While it’s common for most men to experience occasional difficulty, ongoing problems with erections can signal an underlying medical or psychological issue. ED is not simply a natural part of aging; it’s often a symptom of something deeper, such as vascular disease, hormonal imbalance, or stress-related factors. The good news is that Erectile Dysfunction is highly treatable, and with the right evaluation and care, nearly every man can regain healthy sexual function and confidence.
Common Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction
- Difficulty achieving an erection during sexual activity
- Trouble maintaining an erection long enough for intercourse
- Erections that are less firm than usual
- Reduced sexual desire or libido
- Inconsistent or absent morning (nocturnal) erections
- Anxiety or stress related to sexual performance
- Decreased confidence or avoidance of sexual intimacy
- Difficulty ejaculating or changes in ejaculation patterns
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a specialist. At Maze Men’s Health, we identify the underlying causes and develop a personalized, effective treatment plan to restore both function and confidence.
Causes, Evaluation, and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
At Maze Men’s Health, we know that Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is not just about erections — it’s about your overall health, confidence, and well-being. Our team, led by Michael A. Werner, MD, board-certified urologist and sexual medicine specialist, takes a thorough, evidence-based approach to diagnosing and treating ED. By understanding the root causes — physical, hormonal, neurological, and psychological — we can create a treatment plan that restores both function and confidence.
Erectile Dysfunction can result from several overlapping factors. Vascular issues are among the most common causes. Healthy erections depend on proper blood flow into the penis, and any condition that damages blood vessels — such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, or poor diet — can impair that process. Because the penile arteries are smaller than those in the heart or legs, ED often appears before more serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks or strokes, making it an early warning sign of vascular disease. Neurological conditions such as diabetes, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or complications from surgery can disrupt nerve signals to the penis. Hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone or thyroid disorders, can interfere with libido and erectile function. Psychological factors, such as anxiety, depression, or performance fear, can also play a major role, often creating a cycle where physical difficulty leads to worry, which further impacts performance. Our job is to break that cycle.
When you come to Maze Men’s Health in Westchester or NYC, your first visit will last about an hour and includes a comprehensive medical and sexual history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing. We take the time to understand when your ED began, how it affects your relationship and confidence, and what patterns you’ve noticed. We may assess blood flow with penile Doppler ultrasound, evaluate nighttime erections using RigiScan testing, and perform hormone and metabolic panels to check testosterone, thyroid, cholesterol, and glucose levels. This thorough process allows us to pinpoint the exact causes of your Erectile Dysfunction and build a treatment plan that is targeted, effective, and completely individualized.
Our ED treatment options are tailored to your unique needs. Depending on the cause, this may include testosterone therapy, medication management (such as PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra or Cialis), low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) to improve penile blood flow, regenerative or peptide treatments, counseling for performance anxiety, or a combination of approaches. Every patient at Maze receives medical guidance rooted in science and supported by ongoing care. Even if you’ve tried treatment before without success, our results-driven, integrated approach helps thousands of men across Westchester, New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey reclaim healthy sexual function and confidence.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction — difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, decreased rigidity, low libido, or reduced sexual satisfaction — contact Maze Men’s Health today. We’ll identify the underlying cause, explain your results in plain language, and help you get back to a fulfilling, active sex life.
ORAL MEDICATIONS
| Drug/Treatment | Dose | Timing | Time to Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil (Viagra) | 100mg tablet | 1 hour prior to intercourse/masturbation Fast for two hours prior to taking medication | 1 hour |
| Tadalafil (Cialis) | 5mg tablet | Take 1 tablet daily | 2-3 days |
| Tadalafil (Cialis) | 10mg or 20mg tablet | 2 hours prior to intercourse/masturbation | 2 hours |
| Avanafil (Stendra) | 200mg troche – Avanafil only100mg or 200mg tablets | 15-30 minutes prior to intercourse/masturbation | 15-30 minutes |
PENILE INJECTIONS
| Drug/Treatment | Dose | Timing | Time to Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prostaglandin E1 | 5mcg to 40mcg | Inject just prior to intercourse/masturbation | 5-10 minutes |
| Bi-mix (Papaverine and Phentolamine) | 30mg/0.5mg/mL up to 30mg/3.3mg/mL | Inject just prior to intercourse/masturbation | 5-10 minutes |
| Trimix (Papaverine, Phentolamine, and Prostaglandin E1) | 30mg/0.5mg/10mcg/mL up to 30mg/3.3mg/53mcg/mL | Inject just prior to intercourse/masturbation | 5-10 minutes |
OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS
| Drug/Treatment | Dose | Timing | Time to Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (LI-ESWT) | 1,500 impulses twice weekly for 3 weeks 3 weeks with no treatment 1,500 impulses twice weekly for 3 weeks 9 weeks total | Two treatments in office twice weekly, for twelve sessions total | Earliest – 6 weeks after starting treatment Latest – 2 months after last treatment |
| Vacuum Erection Device (VED) | Various brands | Just prior to intercourse/masturbation | 10-30 seconds |
| MUSE (alprostadil pellet) | 250mcg, 500mcg, and 1,000mcg | Just prior to intercourse/masturbation | 5-10 minutes |
| Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections | Two 5ml injections per treatment | Two treatments in office, one month apart | 3-6 months |
| Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injections | Two 50-unit injections per treatment | One treatment in the office | 2-4 weeks |
| Penile Prosthesis | Surgical implant | Inflate just prior to intercourse/masturbation | 10-20 seconds |