Erectile dysfunction (ED) – is the inability to achieve an adequate erection necessary for sexual intercourse. This condition occurs in many men. ED is often confused with impotence – the complete inability to get an erection, which is much rarer.
Types and causes of erectile dysfunction:
Organic
Organic form develops gradually and is always caused by some kind of change or disruption in the body (diabetes, kidney disease, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, endocrine disorders, as well as due to adverse factors such as physical inactivity, obesity, smoking and alcohol abuse).
Psychological
Experts believe that psychological factors cause impotence in 10-20% of cases. These factors include: stress, fatigue, guilt, depression, low self-esteem, etc.
Mixed
Approximately 80% of cases of psychological forms of ED are combined with the organic form.
Symptoms of erectile dysfunction:
* Erection begins to weaken;
* Erection is achieved longer than usual;
* Ejaculation occurs with incomplete erection or faster than usual
Methods for the treatment of erectile dysfunction
Injections into the cavernous body of penis
Its essence is that the patient produces an injection of the drug in the corpus cavernosum of the penis before intercourse. The result is a good and lasting erection. This method is quite popular and effective among conservative ways to restore sexual function.
Injection into the urethra
The injection is given before sexual intercourse. A patient with a special instrument enters into his urethra dose of the drug. After injection of the drug an erection is achieved within 20 minutes and lasts for at least 1 hour.
Drug therapy
There are a number of drugs known as inhibitors of PDE5 (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra), which are used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction with the greatest success.
PDE5 are effective in 75-80% of cases. However, the most advanced drug is Viagra, which expands the arteries of the penis and increases blood flow to it.
Surgical intervention
Erectile dysfunction is associated with changes in blood flow to the penis. As a result of the operation the blood flow increases. However, it should be noted that the operation does not guarantee 100% results and recovery of erection. The effectiveness of this method varies from 20 to 80% of cases.
Fallot prosthesis
This method is the most radical. The bottom line is that the cavernous body of penis is replaced by special prosthesis. Dentures are different. Sometimes it is elastic rods, which prevent the bending of the penis into the vagina during intercourse. Sometimes it is vacuum pumps – plastic cylinders. The disadvantage of this method is the high cost of prostheses, the risk of postoperative complications and the possibility of a vacuum pump failure.
How to avoid erectile dysfunction:
To prevent the development of erectile dysfunction, you should:
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat regularly and properly;
• Do not abuse tobacco, alcohol, do not use drugs;
• Do not use of drugs that can cause erectile dysfunction;
• Maintain a regular sex life, without long periods of abstinence and sexual excesses;
• Always consult an urologist if you have an injury to the pelvic area, perineum, if you have a surgery on the pelvis, if you are suffering from diabetes or hypertension.