Treatment Plan for Erectile Dysfunctions Problem Essay
Case Study
Bruce is a 48-year-old male with a wife and three children. He reported his erectile dysfunction having experienced it for more than five months, where he struggles to initiate and maintain an erection. Bruce recalls some incidences of difficulty to initiate an erection in his early 40s, majorly weeks after arguments with the wife, which almost led to their divorce. As an alcoholic, he wasted money on gambling and drinking, leading to the turbulence at home. Additionally, Bruce smokes regularly and is obese. His sexual inactivity has elevated conflict at home, forcing him to avoid his wife on most occasions. Bruce’s desire for sexual intercourse has significantly reduced coupled with little or no satisfaction. He also experiences premature ejaculation in most times. Bruce believes that improved sex life and quitting alcohol could save his marriage and allow him to live a healthy and peaceful life regardless of the current illness.
Treatment Plan
Goals
The first goal of the treatment plan is to identify the specific cause of Bruce’s erectile dysfunction to commence an effective intervention plan. The pathologist must meet the following objectives to attain this goal.
- To engage Bruce in a talk therapy where he lists his experiences to establish the cause of ED.
- To verify whether the ED results from emotional, physical, or physiological problems.
- To investigate whether Bruce is under potentially harmful prescriptions.
The second goal is to establish whether obesity can be the cause of ED. Nguyen, Gabrielson, and Hellstrom (2017) state that chronic conditions such as obesity are significant contributors to ED since they alter the lipids composition, which, in turn, changes the physiological process involved in initiating and maintaining an erection. Prescriptions for these illnesses can also cause or worsen erectile dysfunction. The pathologist should meet the following objectives to attain this goal.
- To measure the duration of illness.
- To determine the extent of damage caused by obesity that could cause ED.
- To investigate the prescriptions for the disease.
The last goal of this treatment plan is to identify and incorporate the most effective treatment option to facilitate quick recovery. The attainment of this goal depends on the achievement of the following objectives.
- To investigate the possible side effects of drugs recommended for the treatment of ED.
- To measure Bruce’s testosterone level and incorporate strategies for boosting it.To include talk
- therapy, involving two weekly sessions for two months commencing on July 25, 2020.
Implementation of the Treatment Plan
Bruce’s erectile dysfunction could result from various causes, having been drinking heavily and smoking. The obesity and psychological problems resulting from frequent arguments could also contribute since they cause depression and anxiety – significant contributors to the condition (Nguyen et al., 2017). Primarily, effective treatment of obesity by ensuring that the drugs do not cause or contribute to the development of ED could control it. A change in lifestyle choices can equally facilitate recovery since Bruce will avoid alcohol and cigarette. More importantly, the management of obesity through healthy eating habits, particularly eating whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, will control the infection and manage ED at the same time (McVary, 2007). Moderate exercise will also help Bruce maintain a healthy weight and improve erections, especially through Kegel exercise. Alternatively, Bruce can initiate talk therapy to strengthen the relationship with his wife and boost his confidence and self-esteem (Nguyen et al., 2017). The therapy will help him manage depression and anxiety, which significantly contribute to ED and premature ejaculation.
References
Nguyen, H. M., Gabrielson, A. T., & Hellstrom, W.J. (2017). Erectile dysfunction in young men – A review of prevalence and risk factors. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 5(4), 508-520. doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.05.004
McVary, K. T. (2007). Erectile dysfunction. The New England Journal of Medicine, 357(24), 2472-2481.