Erectile dysfunction is far more common than most men assume, and far more treatable. It affects men of every age — not only older men — and while it can take a real toll on confidence and relationships, it almost always responds to the right approach once the underlying cause is understood. Just as importantly, ED can be an early signal of a broader health issue, which makes evaluating it worthwhile for more than your sex life alone.
Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified urologist and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, fellowship-trained in male reproductive and sexual medicine at UCLA and an Assistant Professor of Urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. A member of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America and the International Society of Sexual Medicine, he treats ED across its full range — from first-line medical therapy to advanced surgical options such as the inflatable penile implant, for which his practice holds a Center of Excellence designation. His aim is always to match the treatment to the cause rather than offer a one-size-fits-all fix.
I highly recommend Dr. Houman. He’s a great listener and has provided me with a treatment that has made a positive impact on my life. I trust him 100%. After years of suffering, all of my symptoms have been alleviated and all the health benefits are amazing.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the consistent difficulty getting or maintaining an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual activity. An occasional off night is normal; ED refers to a persistent pattern that affects daily life and intimacy. Because an erection depends on the coordinated work of the brain, nerves, hormones, muscles, and blood vessels, a problem in any one of these systems — or a combination — can be the cause. That complexity is precisely why a thorough evaluation matters.
ED as a Health Warning Sign
Because erections depend on healthy blood flow, ED often surfaces before other cardiovascular symptoms do — sometimes years earlier. For many men, difficulty with erections is the body’s first hint of narrowing blood vessels, high blood pressure, or diabetes. That’s why Dr. Houman evaluates ED in the context of overall health and, when the findings warrant it, coordinates with a cardiologist or primary care physician. Treating ED is frequently the beginning of protecting your long-term health, not just your sex life.
Common Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
Vascular Conditions
Heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor circulation are among the most common causes.
Diabetes and Metabolic Issues
Elevated blood sugar can damage the nerves and vessels involved in erections.
Hormonal Imbalance
Low testosterone can reduce both desire and erectile function.
Psychological Factors
Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain all play a role.
Medications and Lifestyle
Certain prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, and inactivity can each contribute.
Peyronie's Disease
Curvature from scar tissue can interfere with function — learn more about
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Locations
Dr. Houman treats erectile dysfunction at convenient Los Angeles-area locations:
Treatment Options
Effective treatment always starts with identifying the cause. From there, options range from simple to advanced:
- Lifestyle and Medical Management: Exercise, better metabolic health, and adjusting contributing medications are often the foundation.
- Oral Medications: FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil are the most common first-line treatment.
- Testosterone Optimization: When low testosterone is a factor, restoring healthy levels can improve both desire and function.
- Penis Pump Therapy: A vacuum erection device offers a non-invasive, drug-free option for many men.
- Penile Implant Surgery: For severe or treatment-resistant ED, an inflatable penile implant provides a reliable, discreet long-term solution.
- Emerging Therapies: Shockwave therapy, Botox for ED, and exosome therapy are newer, regenerative-style approaches some men consider.
A note on the newer options: low-intensity shockwave therapy, Botox, and exosome or platelet-rich plasma treatments are currently considered investigational or experimental for erectile dysfunction and are not FDA-approved for this use. Dr. Houman discusses the current evidence honestly so you can make an informed decision about whether an emerging therapy is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Erectile Dysfunction
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While ED becomes more common with age, it is never simply something you have to accept — it’s a treatable medical condition at any age.
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Possibly — because erections depend on healthy blood flow, ED can be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, which is why a proper evaluation matters.
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For most men, FDA-approved oral medications such as sildenafil or tadalafil are the first-line option, often paired with lifestyle changes.
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These are newer approaches, and while some men are interested in them, low-intensity shockwave, Botox, and exosome or PRP therapies are currently considered investigational or experimental for ED and aren’t FDA-approved for this use; Dr. Houman reviews the evidence with you honestly.
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Several effective options remain, including a vacuum pump or, for severe cases, a penile implant, which has very high satisfaction rates.
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It can help when low testosterone is a contributing factor, but ED often has more than one cause, so testosterone optimization works best as part of a complete evaluation.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Houman for ED Care
- Full Spectrum of Options: From medical therapy to advanced implant surgery, matched to the underlying cause.
- Penile Implant Center of Excellence: Recognized expertise in inflatable penile implant surgery.
- Whole-Health Perspective: ED is evaluated as a potential window into cardiovascular and metabolic health.
- Honest Guidance on Emerging Therapies: Clear, evidence-based counsel on what is and isn’t proven.
Meet Dr. Houman
Expert in Men’s Health with Tower Urology and Cedars Sinai
Dr. Justin Houman, MD, FACS is a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained microsurgeon at Tower Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His subspecialty training in male reproductive medicine and microsurgery is held by fewer than 2% of practicing urologists in the United States.
His clinical focus is narrow by design. Varicoceles, chronic testicular pain, male infertility, vasectomy, testosterone optimization, erectile dysfunction, penile implant surgery, and Peyronie’s disease are not add-on services here. They are the practice. Patients travel from across the country and internationally for procedures, particularly microsurgical varicocelectomy, spermatic cord denervation, and inflatable penile implant surgery, that require a level of subspecialty training and surgical volume most urology practices do not have.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment in Los Angeles
ED can feel isolating, but it’s one of the most common and most treatable conditions Dr. Houman sees — and the right plan can restore both function and confidence. Patients across Los Angeles and Southern California turn to his practice for discreet, evidence-based care that addresses the real cause rather than masking the symptom. Contact the Los Angeles office to schedule a confidential consultation and explore the treatment options best suited to you.
