Erectile dysfunction is the inability to attain or maintain an erection suitable for intercourse. It can affect men at any age but is more common as we get older. Almost 50% of men by the age of 70 will have some issues with erectile dysfunction.
The reason why men have issues with ED is varied. This can be related to many factors:
Over the past 20 years treatments for ED have improved greatly.
Several pills have come out over the past few years such as Viagra, Levitra, Cialis, Stendra, Staxyn. These medications cause dilatation of the blood vessels that lead to the penis and improve blood flow to the penis during erections.
Occasionally men will opt for a medication that can be inserted into the urethra for erections.
When men are not candidates for pills or the pills do not work we often recommend injecting special medications directly into the penis.
Vacuum Erection Devices are devices that are placed over the penis and apply a suction to promote erection. The device includes a ring that is placed at the base of the penis to allow the penis to stay erect for intercourse.
Surgery can be performed to implant a balloon like device into the penis. When erections are desired a pump that is placed in the scrotum is used to pump fluid into the penis to cause an erection.
Fortunately, today there are many options to improve sex lives for our patients.