ERECTILE
DYSFUNCTION
What is Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)?
Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to maintain an erection that
is firm enough or that last long enough to have successful sexual
intercourse.
Is Erectile Dysfunction common?
Most men occasionally have difficulty getting an erection. However,
about one in ten men are affected by continuing, or chronic impotence.
The first step is to seek professional help.
What are the causes?
About 80% of all impotence problems have physical causes. The rest
are caused by psychological factors or a combination of both.
Physical Causes
· Use of drugs
· Blood flow problems
· Nerve impulse problems
· Surgery or trauma
· Serious health problems
· Lack of hormones
Psychological Causes
· Depression
· Stress
· Performance anxiety
How does an erection occur?
For an erection to occur, several parts of the body must work together.
The brain sends messages to control the nerves, hormone levels,
blood flow and muscles that cause an erection. If anything interferes
with these messages, or if any part of the system doesn’t
function correctly than an erection does not occur.
What to expect at your examination?
Your urologist will ask you several questions in order to understand
when and what circumstances you experience signs of impotence. He
will then you give you a complete physical exam. This exam is to
determine if the blood vessels, nerves and tissues of your penis
is working normally.
How will they determine a diagnosis?
To confirm your diagnosis, other tests can detect hormonal abnormalities,
determine blood flow problems, and may help to rule out psychological
problems.
· Blood test and urinalysis
· Penile blood flow studies
· Sleep monitoring
If I am diagnosed with Impotence, what are my treatment
options?
Depending on your diagnosis your doctor may suggest several different
treatment options.
· Counseling and sex therapy
· Oral medications
· Transurethral Therapy
· Vacuum Erection Therapy
· Venous Flow Constriction Therapy
· Penile Self-Injection Therapy
· Implant Surgery
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