By Dr Lei Cao – General Practitioner, Willoughby Medical Practice
Men’s health concerns such as erectile dysfunction (ED) and sleep apnoea become more common with age. At Willoughby Medical Practice, Dr Lei Cao supports men of all ages with confidential, evidence-based care to improve wellbeing, sexual health, energy levels and overall quality of life.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction becomes increasingly common with age. In fact, most Australian men over 45 experience some form of ED. However, ED is far less likely in healthy men and more common among those who:
- Have chronic medical conditions
- Are overweight
- Smoke
- Drink excessively
- Do not exercise regularly
Occasional ED is normal
It’s normal to have the occasional difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. Common temporary causes include:
- Excess alcohol
- Stress or anxiety
- Fatigue
But if erectile dysfunction becomes ongoing, you should see a doctor.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Doctors once believed ED was mostly psychological. We now know that most long-term ED cases have physical causes.
Physical causes often include:
- Heart or blood vessel disease
- Diabetes
- Low testosterone
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Side effects of certain medications
Physical ED tends to develop gradually over months or years.
If you still get occasional morning or nighttime erections, the cause may be more psychological than physical.
If you experience persistent ED, Dr Lei Cao at Willoughby Medical Practice can provide a thorough assessment to identify underlying causes.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
Many men can significantly improve erectile function through simple lifestyle changes, including:
- Improving diet
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing alcohol
- Quitting smoking
Psychological Support
If stress, anxiety or relationship concerns contribute to ED, counselling or psychotherapy can be very effective.
Medical Treatments
Medication is successful in about 70% of men with ED. Common prescription medications include:
- Viagra®
- Cialis®
- Levitra®
These medications (PDE5 inhibitors) work by improving blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation.
- Tablets are typically taken 1 hour before sexual activity
- Cialis® daily low-dose can allow more spontaneous sexual activity
Other treatment options include:
- Penile vacuum pumps
- Penile injections
- Surgical penile implants
If you want to explore your options, Dr Lei Cao can guide you and refer you to a specialist when appropriate.
Snoring & Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA)
Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea are extremely common in men.
What is Sleep Apnoea?
OSA occurs when the throat collapses during sleep, blocking the airflow to the lungs. This interruption in breathing triggers the brain to wake you briefly to reopen the airway.
This can happen hundreds of times per night, resulting in fragmented, poor-quality sleep.
Around 1 in 4 men over 30 have some degree of sleep apnoea.
Symptoms & Impacts of Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea can cause:
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Irritability
- Reduced work performance
- Increased risk of driving accidents
Untreated sleep apnoea also increases the risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Diabetes
Treatments for Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is highly treatable. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle improvements
- Losing weight
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Improving sleep routines
Medical therapies
- CPAP devices, which provide continuous air pressure to keep the throat open
- Dental splints, which reposition the jaw
- Surgery, for selected cases
If you experience loud snoring, frequent tiredness, or pauses in breathing during sleep, speak with Dr Lei Cao at Willoughby Medical Practice for assessment and management options.
Prioritise Your Health Today
Men often delay seeking help, but early assessment and treatment can significantly improve long-term health, energy and confidence.
For confidential, supportive care, book an appointment with Dr Lei Cao at Willoughby Medical Practice to discuss erectile dysfunction, sleep concerns or general men’s health issues.