Archives for February 2022

Erectile Dysfunction in Younger Men

While erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common problem among older men, it can occur in younger men as well. If it does, it can signal the possibility of an underlying health issue.

Below, you’ll learn about the factors that can predispose younger men to ED as well as what they should do about their condition.

Erectile Dysfunction Risk Factors

It’s important to take note that albeit advancing age is a common risk factor for ED, a man doesn’t have to be older to develop the condition. There are many health and lifestyle factors that can predispose even younger men to erectile dysfunction. These include the following:

  • Benign prostatic hypertrophy (prostate enlargement) – This condition can occur in men younger than 40 years of age.
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Depression and other mental health problems
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol levels
  • Hypertension
  • Kidney disease
  • Low testosterone levels
  • Medications (e.g., muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, antihypertensives, etc.) and some cancer treatments
  • Obesity
  • Peyronie’s disease- a condition that causes penis to bend and lose length or girth
  • Poor lifestyle habits- Substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking
  • Prostate cancer – This can sometimes coexist with BPH.
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Surgery or trauma to the groin and genital area
  • Thyroid issues

ED as a Predictor of Cardiovascular Disease

Several studies have established a strong link between heart health and erectile dysfunction: while erectile dysfunction can be caused by cardiovascular disease, the former can also be a predictor of the latter.

It stands to reason that if a man has numerous episodes of erectile dysfunction, he should consult with his primary care provider, who will do a complete assessment and order certain tests to determine the underlying condition. The patient should also be honest about when ED happens and how frequently as this information can help his primary care provider confirm a diagnosis and connect him to the appropriate interventions.

Primary Care Provider in Wellington, FL

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our board-certified internal medicine provider, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, provides evidence-based, compassionate, and confidential care for men dealing with erectile dysfunction. He offers a range of innovative interventions customized to your specific health needs. Should advanced care be necessary for your condition, Dr. Gunawardene will gladly coordinate your care with the right specialist.

To arrange a consultation with Dr. Gunawardene, call us at (561) 434-1935. You may also book a visit right here on our website. We look forward to helping you feel your best in and out of the bedroom!

Chronic Pain Can Be a Cause of Depression

Chronic pain is a term that describes pain that lasts longer than three months. Sometimes, it also refers to pain that persists beyond the typical time for an illness or injury to heal. Chronic pain isn’t just a physical condition. It’s also an emotional one that has a huge influence on a person’s thoughts and mood. There is a close link between chronic pain and depression, in which chronic pain can cause depression and vice versa. According to recent studies, about 30-50% of people with chronic pain struggle with depression or anxiety. Chronic pain usually aggravates the symptoms of depression, then the subsequent depression makes the pain worse, resulting in a vicious cycle.

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is a common condition that millions of people suffer from. Chronic pain refers to pain symptoms that last longer than three months without improvement or pain that comes and goes repeatedly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50 million adults in the U.S. are suffering from chronic pain.

There are many causes of chronic pain, including various health conditions, diseases, and injuries that damage the body. The degree of pain varies from mild to debilitating. Chronic pain can deteriorate your physical and mental health. It is in your best interest to have an evaluation by a skilled family medicine provider to diagnose the underlying cause and work with you to determine the appropriate treatment measures.

Why is There a Link Between Chronic Pain and Depression?

Depression and chronic pain have some of the same neurotransmitters, brain chemicals that are messengers traveling across the nerves. They also have a few of the same nerve pathways in the brain and spinal cord.

The relationship between chronic pain and depression is complicated, as knowing the trigger that started the vicious circle is usually difficult. Depression can leave you struggling with many things, like your sleep, social life, performance at work, and ability to partake in your favorite hobbies. It can also increase your level of pain and limit your ability to cope with it.

Depression usually affects the overall health of people with chronic pain, yet they may not point out that they are experiencing any depression symptoms. In fact, half of all depressed people visiting their primary care provider only complain of physical symptoms, not depression.

In a comparison between people with both chronic pain and depression and those with only chronic pain, those with both conditions have reported more intense pain, less control of their lives, and have more unhealthy coping strategies.

Treatment Options

Following a professionally designed treatment plan is a good idea to keep your pain and depression under control. Treatment options for both your pain and depression might include:

  • Talk Therapy. Also called psychotherapy, talk therapy is a common treatment for clinical depression. It can help an individual change their patterns of thinking, learn coping skills for symptoms, and help prevent future depressive symptoms.
  • Stress Management. Stress has a big effect on both chronic pain and depression, so learning how to manage it makes a big difference. Methods that have been shown to help include mindfulness, meditations, deep breathing, movement therapies, such as yoga and tai chi, hypnotherapy, and guided imagery.
  • Standard analgesics and antidepressant medications may be prescribed to help relieve your symptoms. Opioids may be prescribed if you are experiencing severe pain. Antidepressants may also be prescribed for depression.

If you are suffering from chronic pain and depression, it isn’t the time to hesitate on informing your primary care provider about the emotional and mental symptoms you’re experiencing. You should get help before your symptoms exacerbate. Receiving the right treatment can help you enjoy your life again.

Chronic Pain Management in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

If you have chronic pain, you don’t have to deal with it on your own. If you are experiencing chronic pain, seeking medical advice is essential to relieving symptoms. At Advanced Medical, we can help you manage your pain and treat the underlying cause.

To schedule an appointment, contact us at (561) 434-1935 or submit an online appointment request.