Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a very common problem affecting millions of men worldwide. Recent studies estimate that the percentage of men over 50 years old suffering from ED to be between 50% and 70%. Many men have been led to believe that ED is just a part of aging that they have to accept, but this is simply not the case. No matter you age or what the underlying cause of your ED is, there are treatment options available to you.
Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
- Cardiovascular Problems (Heart Attack, High Cholesterol, Poor Circulation)
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Pelvic Surgery/Injury (Robotic Prostatectomy, Accidental Injuries, Cycling/Bike Riding)
- Neurovascular Conditions (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Spinal Cord Injuries)
- Medication Side Effects
- Psychogenic (Stress, Anxiety)
Diagnosing Erectile Dysfunction
The diagnosis of the cause of ED is important and starts with a history and physical exam. This can help to diagnose issues such as scarring or decreased vascular flow, leading to an understanding of the root cause of the ED and a path to treatment.
Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Options
- Oral Medication – Oral medication works by causing relaxation of penile smooth muscle, allowing increased blood flow into the penile tissue causing a rigid erection. This is typically the first line of treatment for ED and generally works for mild to some moderate forms of ED. For men with certain health conditions, oral medications are not recommended and discussing these with your doctor and/or urologist is key.
- Vacuum Erection Device – This is an inexpensive device that is used to pull blood into the penis when the patient wants an obtain an erection. A penile constriction ring is used in conjunction to help hold the blood in the penis during an erection.
- Intraurethral Suppositories – A small pellet is placed into the urethra (the urinary channel that exits the tip of the penis) when the patient wishes to achieve an erection. The pellet is dissolved and is absorbed into the surrounding penile tissue, causing relaxation of penile smooth muscle and increased blood flow.
- Penile Injection Therapy – Injection of a liquid medication directly into penile shaft tissue using a very tiny needle and syringe. The medication causes increased blood flow into the penis by relaxing penile smooth muscle. This medication is typically much stronger than oral medication and generally works well for moderate-to-severe ED, depending on the form.
- Penile Implant (Surgical) – Minor surgical procedure performed through one small incision to implant a device into the penis that allows patient to have a strong, reliable erection whenever he desires. This erection will last as long as the patent wants and occurs as soon as the patient desires it. The surgery is covered by most insurance companies, often making the penile implant the most economical option for many patients.