What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile Dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection to have sexual intercourse. It is also referred to as impotence.

Symptoms Of Erectile Dysfunction

Symptoms of erectile dysfunction include not being able to get an erection, struggling to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse and an inability to ejaculate.

Symptoms Of Erectile Dysfunction

The doctor will perform a physical examination of the penis and a psychological examination. Blood tests and urine tests may be ordered to exclude other conditions. An ultrasound may be performed to check the blood vessels that supply the penis.

Treatments For Erectile Dysfunction

Treatments for erectile dysfunction include Medications such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra, Testosterone replacement via injection, Shockwave therapy and Surgery.

• Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy, also called low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) is a treatment which consists of noninvasive low-intensity sound waves that pass through erectile tissue thereby restoring erectile function by clearing plaque out of blood vessels and stimulating the growth of new blood vessels.

• Penis Pumps

Surgery is considered if other treatments have failed. A penis pump is a hollow tube with a hand-powered or battery-powered pump. The tube is placed over the penis and the pump is used to suck out the air inside the tube. This creates a vacuum pulling blood into the penis. Once there is an erection, a tension ring should slip around the base of the penis to hold in the blood keeping the penis firm. The vacuum device is then removed. The erection usually lasts long enough for sexual intercourse.

• Penile Implants

This procedure involves surgically placing devices on both sides of the penis. The implants consist of either inflatable or malleable rods. Penile implants are not normally recommended unless other methods have failed.