Erectile Dysfunction

     Erectile dysfunction is another word for impotence. ED is the incapability of keeping an erection that is firm or long enough to allow for sexual intercourse. It is a very common problem.

     A number of men suffer from erectile dysfunction. Even though it is common, it is usually difficult to talk about it. The first step to make is to for advice to a doctor who knows new advances concerning the topic.

ED is a treatable

Practically every man can be treated with success. Generally, various options are available, your urologist can help you and your partner to choose the treatment that is the most appropriate.

Common causes

Diabetes can destroy the nerves or blood vessels that control the blood flow to the penis.

Cardiovascular problems can decrease the blood flow to the penis by arterial obstructions or venous leaks.

Trauma or bladder/prostate/colon/rectum surgery can destroy the nerves and lead to ED.

Spinal cord lesions can prevent nerve impulses to reach the penis and lead to ED.

Medications such as hypotensives can prevent the blood flow to the penis.

Hormonal problems due to renal or hepatic insufficiency can cause ED.

Alcoholism can lead to irreversible nerve lesions and ED.

Therapeutic options

According to the diagnosis, the treatment will either be medical or surgical. Your doctor will give you the different possible options that can help, as well as the risk and advantages of each option.

Oral medications such as Viagra, Levitra or Cialis improve the blood flow to the penis, and when associated to a sexual stimulation, will lead to an erection.
Erection pumps aspirate blood toward the penis. A caoutchouc ring is placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
Intra urethral suppositories are inserted through the urethra, and lead to an erection.
Treatment by injection necessitates the injection of the medication directly in the penis by a needle, before sexual intercourse.
Penile implants are an efficient surgical option, especially for men that have tried other treatment with no avail.
Vascular surgery can improve blood flow to the penis. This option is not very common but it is applied in case of venous leaks or arterial obstruction.

Why and when to consider a penile implant?

Finding a solution for ED can considerably change the quality of life of many men, and their partners. Research has shown that penile implants are more satisfactory than other common therapeutic options. Comparison between penile implants and other therapeutic options. A recent study showed that penile implants give more satisfactory results than the treatment by oral medications or injections.

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