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Erectile Dysfunction
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Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is defined as the inability of a man to attain and/or
maintain an ercetion of sufficient rigidity to complete sexual intercourse. ED is
extremely common in our society with over 50% of men between the ages of 40 and
70 years of age reporting some degree of ED. The problem increases with
increasing age because of a higher prevalence of co-morbid conditions in the
ageing male.
What are some of the causes erectile dysfunction?
Normal erectile function relies on multiple normal physiologic processes
functioning appropriately. This involves an intact inflow of blood into the penis,
normal innervation, competent veins and normal hormonal function. ED occurs
whenever any one of these systems is impaired. A list of common medical
conditions associated with ED follows:
* Cardiovascular disease/ Heart Disease
* Obesity
* Hypertension
* Diabetes
* Spinal Cord Injury
* Neurologic Diseases
* Surgery
* Hormonal abnormalities
* Trauma
* Medications
What diagnostic tests do I need?
In general, ED can be diagnosed by your physician after completing a history and
physical exam. Your physician might ask you to fill out a more detailed
questionnaire regarding your sexual function. Laboratory testing might be indicated
to ensure proper hormonal function. Finally, in certain situations, your physician
might ask you to undergo testing of the penile blood flow with a Duplex Ulatrasound
of the penis. This involves first injecting the penis with a vasoactive agent and then
measuring the blood flow velocity in the small arteries to the penis. It can also
confirm to your physician if there is a problem with the venous return during an
erection.
What are the treatment options?
There are various treatment options avaialable for the patient with ED.
* Oral Medication (yohimbine, Viagra®, Cialis®, Levitra®)
* Intra-urethral Suppository
* Vacuum Erection Devices (VED)
* Intra-Cavernosal Injection (ICI)
* Penile Prosthesis
* Hormonal Replacement
* Behavioral Therapy
maintain an ercetion of sufficient rigidity to complete sexual intercourse. ED is
extremely common in our society with over 50% of men between the ages of 40 and
70 years of age reporting some degree of ED. The problem increases with
increasing age because of a higher prevalence of co-morbid conditions in the
ageing male.
What are some of the causes erectile dysfunction?
Normal erectile function relies on multiple normal physiologic processes
functioning appropriately. This involves an intact inflow of blood into the penis,
normal innervation, competent veins and normal hormonal function. ED occurs
whenever any one of these systems is impaired. A list of common medical
conditions associated with ED follows:
* Cardiovascular disease/ Heart Disease
* Obesity
* Hypertension
* Diabetes
* Spinal Cord Injury
* Neurologic Diseases
* Surgery
* Hormonal abnormalities
* Trauma
* Medications
What diagnostic tests do I need?
In general, ED can be diagnosed by your physician after completing a history and
physical exam. Your physician might ask you to fill out a more detailed
questionnaire regarding your sexual function. Laboratory testing might be indicated
to ensure proper hormonal function. Finally, in certain situations, your physician
might ask you to undergo testing of the penile blood flow with a Duplex Ulatrasound
of the penis. This involves first injecting the penis with a vasoactive agent and then
measuring the blood flow velocity in the small arteries to the penis. It can also
confirm to your physician if there is a problem with the venous return during an
erection.
What are the treatment options?
There are various treatment options avaialable for the patient with ED.
* Oral Medication (yohimbine, Viagra®, Cialis®, Levitra®)
* Intra-urethral Suppository
* Vacuum Erection Devices (VED)
* Intra-Cavernosal Injection (ICI)
* Penile Prosthesis
* Hormonal Replacement
* Behavioral Therapy
In The News
ED drug works despite LUTS severity
(Renal & Urology News, Sept 2007)
ED Drugs May Help with BPH
Symptoms (Urology Times, Sept 1,
2007)
Early Penile Rehabilitation Following
Prostatectomy (Urology Times, Aug
15, 2007)
ED May Herald Coronary Heart
Disease (Renal & Urology News,
August 2007)
ED drug works despite LUTS severity
(Renal & Urology News, Sept 2007)
ED Drugs May Help with BPH
Symptoms (Urology Times, Sept 1,
2007)
Early Penile Rehabilitation Following
Prostatectomy (Urology Times, Aug
15, 2007)
ED May Herald Coronary Heart
Disease (Renal & Urology News,
August 2007)
Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare