www.cvvim.org www.DesertHealthNews.com January/February 2026 Medical News The Valley's Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 4 www.capcomts.com www.drmayakato.com Schedule Your Consultation 760-592-7310 36867 Cook St., Ste 103 Palm Desert, CA 92211 | drmayakato.com ApexRF is a breakthrough 15-minute, non-invasive treatment that uses gentle radiofrequency energy to restore blood flow and improve male performance. It’s effective for ED and equally beneficial for men who simply want to feel more confident and connected. Stimulates natural blood flow Treats ED safely and effectively Boosts performance, size, and sensation Restores intimacy and confidence No pills, injections, or surgery THE GENTLE TREATMENT FOR A STRONGER CONNECTION Dr. B. Maya Kato is proud to be the exclusive provider of InMode APEX™ RF in the Coachella Valley. Mention "Desert Health News" for special pricing - $600 off package of 6 treatments! LIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFER Continued on page 22 No Health Insurance? You’re Not Alone VIM Can Help! Routine Medical Examinations • Chronic Disease Management Individual and Group Education • Labs, X-rays and Imaging Services Cancer Screenings • Vaccinations • No health insurance • Immigration status not requested • Limited income All services are provided free of charge for eligible individuals Call or visit our website for more information 760-342-4414 • cvvim.org ALL AT NO COST TO YOU! WE DO IT FOR FREE! Erectile dysfunction (ED) rarely has a single cause. Often multiple physical changes, emotional stressors and lifestyle habits are present, and combined, they interfere with the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. Identifying the specific causative factors is the key to pursuing effective treatment. Physical causes: when the body’s systems falter An erection requires coordinated function of the vascular, neurologic, hormonal and muscular systems. Problems in any of these can sabotage sexual performance. While the prevalence of ED does increase with age, studies show this is likely due to the greater prevalence of other comorbidities, which also increase with age:¬ Vascular issues. Reduced blood flow is the most common physical cause of ED. Atherosclerosis, hypertension and hyperlipidemia can narrow or stiffen blood vessels, preventing adequate blood from entering the penile tissue. ED may even be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease. Diabetes. Poorly controlled blood sugar damages both nerves and blood vessels. This dual impact makes diabetes one of the strongest predictors of ED, often appearing years before other complications. Hormonal imbalances. Hormonal causes are less common, but important to identify. Low testosterone can decrease libido and impair erections. Thyroid disorders and elevated prolactin levels can also disrupt normal sexual function. Neurologic conditions. Erections depend on intact nerve signaling. Spinal cord injuries, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, stroke and pelvic surgery—such as prostate removal—can impair nerve pathways and lead to ED. Medication side effects. Several commonly prescribed drugs, including antidepressants, antihypertensives, and prostate medications, can interfere with libido, nerve signaling and blood flow. Psychological causes: the mind–body disconnect Even when physical health is intact, the brain can block sexual response. Erections start in the mind, and internal stress can disrupt the cascade of signals that lead to arousal. Performance anxiety. Experiencing even a single instance of erectile difficulty can create anticipatory anxiety, leading to a cycle of self-doubt. Stress. Chronic emotional stress, such as financial strain and pressure at work activate the sympathetic nervous system—your “fight-or-flight” response—and this directly inhibits erection. Depression. Depression lowers desire and disrupts neurochemical pathways involved in arousal. Relationship conflict. Emotional distance, resentment, communication issues or unresolved conflicts can diminish intimacy and contribute to ED. Lifestyle factors: habits that undercut sexual health Daily habits influence vascular health, hormone balance and energy—a trio essential for performance. Smoking. Damages blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis, making erections weaker and less reliable. Excessive alcohol use. Alcohol depresses the nervous system, impairs hormone Reclaiming Intimacy (Part 2 of 3) The root causes of erectile dysfunction By B. Maya Kato, MD
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