What causes erectile dysfunction?

Why Erectile Dysfunction Needs a New Approach

Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is more than a physical issue—it’s often a sign of deeper imbalances in your body and mind. At Patients Medical in New York City, we go beyond prescriptions. Our integrative care model uncovers the root causes of ED, helping you reclaim your energy, performance, and confidence naturally.

We focus on restoring your health, not just treating symptoms.

What is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

Erectile Dysfunction is the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for intercourse. While common in men over 40, ED isn’t a normal part of aging—it often indicates underlying health issues such as vascular dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or chronic stress.

Common Symptoms of Erectile Dysfunction

Root Causes: Why Are You Experiencing Erectile Dysfunction?

Functional medicine helps uncover what’s really going on inside your body. Common causes of ED include:

  • Vascular issues: Poor circulation, high blood pressure, or atherosclerosis
  • Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone, high estrogen, or thyroid dysfunction
  • Stress and anxiety: Chronic cortisol elevation blocks healthy sexual function
  • Diabetes and insulin resistance: Damages blood vessels and nerve endings
  • Toxin overload: Endocrine disruptors from plastics, heavy metals, and pesticides
  • Poor sleep and sleep apnea: Disrupts testosterone production
  • Leaky gut and systemic inflammation: Leads to nutrient malabsorption and hormonal imbalance
  • Medication side effects: Especially antidepressants, blood pressure meds, and SSRIs

Diagnostic Testing We Use

We perform in-depth labs to identify what’s driving your ED:

Total and free testosterone levels

DHEA, estrogen, and SHBG levels

Thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4, reverse T3)

Cortisol and adrenal function testing

Cardiovascular and nitric oxide panels

Inflammatory markers (CRP, homocysteine)

Gut microbiome testing

Heavy metal and environmental toxin panels

Integrative Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction

Nutritional Therapy

We personalize anti-inflammatory and vascular-supportive diets that improve blood flow and hormone balance. This may include:

  • Heart-healthy Mediterranean or DASH diets
  • Foods rich in arginine, zinc, and antioxidants
  • Blood sugar balancing and detoxification support

IV Vitamin & Amino Acid Therapy

IV infusions with B vitamins, magnesium, glutathione, L-arginine, and NAD+ support circulation, detoxification, and mitochondrial health.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

Based on labs, we may recommend physician-monitored natural therapies like:

  • Tongkat Ali
  • Maca root
  • Ashwagandha
  • L-citrulline and L-arginine
  • Zinc, CoQ10, and DHEA

Stress & Mind-Body Therapies

Chronic stress is a major contributor to ED. We offer:

  • Meditation and guided breathwork
  • Adaptogenic herbs like Rhodiola
  • Acupuncture to improve sexual vitality

Hormone Optimization

We use bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) when needed to restore healthy testosterone and DHEA levels safely.

Weight and Metabolic Support

For men with insulin resistance or obesity-related ED, we offer:

  • Medically supervised weight loss
  • Detox programs and metabolic rebalancing
  • Fitness guidance tailored to hormone health

Real Case Study: Michael’s Journey to Reclaiming Intimacy

Michael, 47, came to us struggling with low libido, poor erections, and high stress. He had tried medication with limited success. Our testing revealed low testosterone, elevated cortisol, and borderline prediabetes.

His custom plan included:

  • Bioidentical testosterone therapy
  • Adaptogenic stress herbs
  • A Mediterranean-style anti-inflammatory diet
  • IV therapy with L-arginine and magnesium
  • Gut healing protocol

Within 3 months, Michael reported stronger erections, renewed libido, and improved confidence—without relying on ED medication.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

In many cases, yes—especially when the root causes are addressed through integrative care.

Absolutely. Low T can impact libido, erection quality, and mood. Testing is essential.

We treat the underlying issue—so you don’t have to rely on short-term medications.

Chronic stress raises cortisol, which suppresses testosterone and blood flow. Mind-body support is key.

Hormones (testosterone, cortisol, thyroid), cardiovascular markers, and inflammation levels.

Yes. Leaky gut, nutrient deficiencies, and inflammation can affect hormone production and energy.

No. Age increases risk, but ED is often linked to lifestyle and metabolic health—many men recover function naturally.

Tongkat Ali, maca, L-arginine, CoQ10, and zinc—when guided by testing and a physician.

Not necessarily. Hormone therapy is personalized and often temporary as your body rebalances.

We are out-of-network but provide superbills for reimbursement. Many labs may be covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment