What began as a medically based alternative for men seeking help for urologic issues including erectile dysfunction (ED), impotence or prostate issues, the Men’s Health Program at El Camino Hospital Los Gatos has now become the area’s comprehensive, multispecialty destination for men’s health. “We are a one-stop resource for men who seek good, sound medical information as well as treatment,” says Edward Karpman, MD, who founded the program with fellow urologist Patrick Wherry, MD.

“At the Men’s Health Program, physicians evaluate patients for underlying conditions, which may have gone undiagnosed or untreated,” adds Dr. Karpman. ”They can then be referred to a network of specialists for further evaluation or treatment, if necessary. With the program located on the hospital campus, patients don’t have to travel somewhere else for lab tests, X-rays or procedures.”

One common urologic issue, ED, is often a forerunner of heart disease. “Many large studies have demonstrated a strong link between erectile dysfunction and coronary artery disease, especially in men under age 60,” says cardiologist Neal Scott, MD. His colleague, fellow cardiologist Ramtin Agah, MD, agrees. “In many patients, the first presentation for vascular disease can be ED, which is why appropriate screening in patients with risk factors for vascular disease is key in any treatment strategy.”

For more information about Men’s Health Program services, please call 408-866-7331 or visit www.elcamino hospital.org/menshealth.