Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is defined as the inability to achieve an erection, and/or dissatisfaction with the size, rigidity, and/or duration of erections. It can also include premature ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction can itself be a symptom of more serious problems, especially cardiovascular disease, so it's vitally important to talk with your doctor if you're experiencing erectile dysfunction.

If you're suffering from erectile dysfunction, exams and tests will be required to reach an accurate diagnosis:

• Medical/Sexual History: This may reveal conditions or diseases that lead to impotence and help distinguish among problems with erection, ejaculation, orgasm or sexual desire.
• Physical Examination: To look for evidence of systemic problems, such as the following:
• A problem in the nervous system may be involved if the penis does not respond as expected to certain touching.
• Secondary sex characteristics, such as hair pattern, can point to hormonal problems, which involve the endocrine system.
• Circulatory problems could be indicated by an aneurysm.
• Unusual characteristics of the penis itself could suggest the basis of the impotence.
• Laboratory Tests: These can include blood counts, urinalysis, lipid profile and measurements of creatinine and liver enzymes. When low sexual desire is a symptom, measurement of testosterone in the blood can yield information about problems with the endocrine system.
• Psychosocial Examination: This is done to help reveal psychological factors that may be affecting performance. The sexual partner may also be interviewed to determine expectations and perceptions encountered during sexual intercourse.

Specific treatment for erectile dysfunction will be determined by your doctor based on your age, overall health, medical history, the extent of the disease and your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies. Of course, your personal opinions and preferences will also be taken into consideration. Treatments may include:

Medications

• Sildenafil Citrate (Viagra™): A prescription medication taken orally for the treatment of ED. Viagra does not directly cause penile erection, but affects the response to sexual stimulation.
• Vardenafil Citrate (Levitra™): In clinical studies, Levitra has been shown to work quickly and improve sexual function in men the first time they take the medication. It has been shown to work well in men of all ages, in men with diabetes, and in men who have had the surgical procedure called radical prostatectomy.
• Tadalafil Citrate (Cialis™): Studies have indicated that Cialis stays in the body longer than other medications in its class. Most men who take this medication find that an erection occurs within 30 minutes and the effects of the medication may last up to 36 hours.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Testosterone Replacement Therapy: May improve your energy, mood, and bone density, increase muscle mass and weight, and heighten sexual interest if you have deficient levels of testosterone. Available in an oral form and as a skin patch.

Penile Implants

• Hydraulic Pump: A pump and two cylinders are placed within the erection chambers of your penis, which cause an erection by releasing a saline solution; it can also remove the solution to deflate the penis.
• Prosthesis: Two semi-rigid but bendable rods are placed within the erection chambers of your penis, which allows manipulation into an erect or non-erect position.
• Interlocking Soft Plastic Blocks: These are placed within the erection chambers of your penis and can be inflated or deflated using a cable that passes through them.