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What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. This condition can affect men of all ages but is more common in older adults. Understanding the condition is crucial for recognizing its impact on men's health and relationships.

Symptoms

  • Difficulty getting an erection
  • Trouble keeping an erection
  • Reduced sexual desire

Causes

Erectile dysfunction causes can be varied and often involve multiple factors

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Neurological disorders
  • Psychological factors (stress, anxiety, depression)
  • Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, drug use)

Prevention

  • Maintaining a healthy diet
  • Regular exercise
  • Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Managing stress
  • Regular medical check-ups

When to Visit a Doctor

Consulting an Andrologist is important if you experience

  • Persistent difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection
  • Concerns about erectile function impacting your quality of life or relationship
  • Other symptoms like pain, swelling, or changes in urinary habits

Treatment Options Available

Erectile dysfunction treatment options vary based on the underlying causes and individual needs

  • Medications (PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis) are often considered the best ED treatment for many men
  • Hormone therapy
  • Counseling or therapy for psychological causes
  • Lifestyle modifications can improve overall health and help with treatment for weak erection
  • Vacuum erection devices
  • Penile implants
  • The latest treatment for erectile dysfunction includes low-intensity shockwave therapy, which is gaining popularity for its effectiveness.

By understanding these aspects and exploring various erectile dysfunction treatment options, men can take proactive steps to manage this condition and improve their sexual health.

What’s new in ED treatment

This is the era of regenerative/restorative therapy, where a man’s natural erections can be restored. PRGF (platelet derived growth factor) injections and Penile shockwave therapy (PSWT) are new and promising therapies for ED which expand the options for patients who failed/doesn’t tolerate PDE5I or self-injections before proceeding to penile prosthesis surgery.

PRGF INJECTIONS (aka P-shot or Prius shot), is prepared from patient’s own blood and administered into the penis. It is a simple outpatient procedure. It acts by regenerating the damaged endothelium, increasing angiogenesis and thus restoring one’s natural erections. The success rate ranges between 50-70% depending on the severity of ED.